Interesting Carbon Monoxide Info That Could Save Your Life
Knowledge Is the Key to Fighting this Silent Killer Carbon monoxide (CO) is called a “silent killer” because it’s colorless and odorless. Now that it’s September, it’s important to bring up this very important topic because winter is getting closer and that’s the time of year when CO-related deaths increase. But before we go more in-depth into the answers to the most frequently asked questions about carbon monoxide and the poisoning it can cause: Solid carbon monoxide detection is ALWAYS the most reliable way to ensure exposure doesn’t cause health issues or death. You can take many steps to prevent problems, but accidents can still happen and lead to deadly exposure. Proper detection alerts you when carbon monoxide is present so you can act right away. Carbon monoxide has no smell or no color, so you cannot detect it on your own without getting sick first. Many people do not realize their symptoms are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. They may lie down to rest, which is extremely dangerous, or lose consciousness altogether. Where Can You Find CO? Carbon monoxide forms whenever fuel burns. In homes and businesses, common sources include stoves, lanterns, fireplaces, grills, gas ranges, and furnaces. When these appliances work properly, they release very small amounts of carbon monoxide that are not harmful. Over time, however, equipment can fail. SSome businesses use fuel-burning machines indoors. In these spaces, carbon monoxide can build up and make workers sick. Auto repair shops are a common example, where vehicles often run inside the building. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of CO-related incidents occur in different types of businesses, while 50% of incidents occur in homes. Who Is Most At Risk for CO Poisoning? Carbon monoxide can affect everyone. People with breathing or heart problems face a higher risk. Very young children and older adults are also more likely to get sick. Each year, about 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. These deaths are not related to fires. More than 20,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of carbon monoxide exposure. Over 4,000 of them require hospital care. That’s A LOT of people! Check out this extremely informational video on how CO poisoning happens and how it starves the body of oxygen, leading to CO poisoning: How to Prevent CO Poisoning Installing carbon monoxide detectors is the best place to start. Professional installation offers even greater protection. It ensures the system works at all times and places sensors in the right locations. When carbon monoxide detection connects to your security system, a 24/7 monitoring center can alert authorities for you during an emergency. Other things to do include: Have your heating system, hot water tank, and anything else that operates on gas or burns coal serviced each year. While not 100% effective, inspection and service greatly increases safety. Don’t use flameless chemical heaters inside. If you smell gas and you don’t know the source, get out. If you know the source, turn it off if you can safely do so. Have that item professionally serviced. Only buy gas equipment that has a national testing agency seal. Gas appliances should be properly vented. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Vent pipes should never be patched with unauthorized materials or CO could build up. Gas ranges or ovens should never be used for heating. Charcoal or portable camp stoves should never be burned indoors. Generators should never be used indoors (including the basement or less than 20 feet from a vent, door, or window) What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Carbon monoxide poisoning often looks like other illnesses. Many people do not realize what is causing their symptoms. This is why a carbon monoxide detector can save your life. Common symptoms include a dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or blurred vision. These signs may point to carbon monoxide poisoning. A detector gives you a clear warning so you know to leave the home or business right away. The effects depend on how long and how much exposure occurs. Carbon monoxide can cause miscarriage or fetal death during pregnancy. It can also damage the heart and brain. In severe cases, it can cause death. This risk is highest for people who are sleeping or intoxicated. Rochester, NY Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation If you live in Rochester, Buffalo, or Syracuse and you don’t have the proper CO detection in place, it’s imperative to take action as soon as possible. This is the best time of year to do it because the use of gas-burning appliances and other tools increase when the temperatures start dropping in the fall. To learn about the differences between a DIY CO detector and professional carbon monoxide detector installation or to begin protecting yourself and everyone you care about ASAP, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
