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More than 200 people die every year from
accidental exposure to carbon monoxide, sometimes called the “silent
killer.” Thousands more are treated in hospital emergency rooms for
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless,
odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of fuels such
as natural gas, propane, fuel oil, kerosene, coal or wood.
Malfunctioning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, space
heaters and stoves are significant sources of carbon monoxide gas.
So are idling cars and poorly ventilated boats.
Carbon monoxide interferes with the
distribution of oxygen in the body, and early symptoms are often
mistaken for the flu. Initial symptoms can include headache,
fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and mental
confusion. If you live in a home with any combustion appliances,
symptoms like these should not be ignored, especially if more than
one person is feeling them.
If you suspect your symptoms are from
carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open the doors
and windows, turn off all combustion appliances and leave the house.
Seek medical attention and tell the doctor that you suspect carbon
monoxide poisoning so appropriate diagnostic tests can be done.
Preventive maintenance is the best
way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Fuel-burning appliances
should be properly installed by trained professionals, and heating
systems should be inspected and serviced annually. Other preventive
measures include:
- Never burn charcoal or use
portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage,
vehicle or tent.
- Never idle a car in a garage, even
if the exterior door is open.
- Never use gas appliances such as
ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home, even for a
short time.
- Never sleep in a room with an
unvented gas or kerosene heater, and don’t operate unvented
appliances in rooms where doors and windows are closed.
- Don’t use gasoline powered tools
(mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or
generators) in enclosed spaces.
- Install a carbon monoxide
detector/alarm that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories
(UL). Detectors should be installed as a backup, and are not
intended to be a substitute for proper preventive maintenance.
They should be replaced every five years.
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