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Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, paints, thinners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, after shaves, perfumes, auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents. Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when any fuel is burned – gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal, and even tobacco. When combustion air is limited, more CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by- products are not properly vented outside the house. You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the news recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups like the American Lung Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have made it a priority to warn the public about the dangers of this deadly household poison. What are the Effects of CO Exposure? When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. Carbon monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and vital organs. As carbon monoxide accumulates in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxygen. The amount of carbon monoxide in a person’s body can be measured by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin level” test . The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous, too. Long term exposure to low levels could cause permanent heart and brain damage. Could Your Family be at Risk for CO Poisoning? Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000 Americans are affected by CO poisoning each year. While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death or serious injury. 17 18 Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer Where Does CO Come From? Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential problem from a number of common sources – automobiles, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space heaters and portable generators. When these appliances are in good working condition with proper ventilation, lethal carbon monoxide gas is vented outdoors where it quickly disperses. But even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of these sources can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home that can become deadly before you’d even know it’s there. And you don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a problem. Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO-polluted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels. What Can You do to Protect Your Family? To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condition. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood test can confirm that CO caused the problem. Your first line of defense is an annual inspection and regular maintenance of your appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local utility company for assistance. But remember, problems can begin after an inspection is over, like a crack in a furnace heat exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a bird’s nest blocking a flue. That’s why you need the 24-hour protection provided by a CO alarm. Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer Home Safety Tips What You Can Do... •Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. •Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the outdoors, whenever possible. •Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals and should be inspected by the proper authority after installation. •Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year. •Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all fuel-burning appliances. •Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections, visible rust or stains. •Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use, and provide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater...
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