01/19/2024
With the weather changing and the frigid temperatures lately, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning indoors increases. As heaters and furnaces kick in, windows and screen doors that were usually open during the summer remain shut, causing the potential buildup of carbon monoxide (CO). Knowing how to prevent the causes of CO and recognizing the symptoms is crucial information that everyone needs to know.
- Never use natural gas or portable propane heaters or petroleum gas generators inside
- Vehicles must not to be left running inside enclosed shops/garages, near air intake systems or adjacent to building windows.
- Install CO detectors in mechanical/furnace rooms, basements and various locations throughout your home to allow for notification and give you time to make it out safely.
- Have your gas appliances checked by certified technicians before the winter months.
- Cleaning vents, filters and screens can also help reduce the buildup of CO. Ensure that as snow builds up along buildings, the gas meter is not buried.
- Make sure there is a constant flow of fresh air into furnace rooms and keep the area around each appliance clear and free of debris
CO IS A COLORLESS, TASTELESS, ODORLESS, LIGHTER THAN AIR TOXIC GAS that is released during the combustion process of almost any material. CO rapidly absorbs from the lungs into the bloodstream, where it binds to hemoglobin. The hemoglobin cannot accept oxygen, which leads to oxygen starvation. Because of these properties, CO can go undetected and become a dangerous byproduct of incomplete combustion.
Symptoms of CO exposure will vary, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure and should never be ignored:
Mild - Headaches, dizziness, clumsiness or "flu like" symptoms
Severe - Vomiting, confusion, visual problems, irregular heartbeat, weakness or collapse
Extreme - Unconsciousness, convulsions, or heart and lung failure resulting in death
If you or someone with you are experiencing these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and call 911.