How to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide
Oct 10, 2007
Author: Family Realty LLC

The days are getting shorter, there’s a nip in the air, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is on the rise.

Through public service campaigns and tragic news stories, the word is out that smoke and fire detectors are important lifesavers. However, many homeowners still overlook the risk posed by carbon monoxide and fail to take the steps necessary to protect against this killer.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that every year, more than two hundred (200) people in the United States die unintentionally from carbon monoxide. Several thousand go to the hospital emergency rooms for treatment after being poisoned by the gas.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel, whether solid, liquid, or gas. People have been killed and injured by malfunctioning furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it’s odorless and colorless. The risk of poisoning rises as homeowners kick on the furnace, seal the windows for the winter, and heat the car inside of the garage. You also might be more likely to overlook the early signs of CO poisoning at this time of year because its symptoms are similar to those of the flu.

Whether your home is new or old, there are many ways to protect against Co poisoning. The EPA says you should know the signs of CO poisoning, at moderate levels, you or your family can experience severe headaches, dizziness, nauseousness, or experience confusion. If you experience symptoms you suspect could be CO poisoning, the EPA says you should:

° Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
° Go to an emergency room and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. It can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.

However, both the EPA and CPSC say prevention is the key. Among their recommendations:

° Make sure appliances are installed according to the manufacturer.
° Have your heating system, including chimneys and vents, inspected and serviced annually.
° Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage open.
° When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
° Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.
° Do not use gasoline powered tools or engines indoors.
° Slightly open a window when using kerosene heaters.
° Consider buying a carbon monoxide detector.

While detectors are widely available in stores, installing one in your home should be considered a back up to the prevention tips listed above. The detectors wont prevent a leak of carbon monoxide in your home, only warn you once its there. CO detectors are not a substitute for smoke detectors. If you have both alarms in your home, know the difference between the sounds of the two detectors.

Now, throw a log on the fire, curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and relax.