 CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS:
There are various dangers in the home that can cause accidents, but most of them are something you can see, feel or touch. It’s easy to forget that something as simple as breathing in your own home could turn fatal. In the fall and winter months, carbon monoxide exposure is at its greatest because homeowners are staying indoors and turning up the heat.
Carbon Monoxide is considered the “silent killer” because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless and forms from the incomplete combustion of gas. It can come from numerous sources in the home including, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, generators, space heaters, combustible appliances, and motor vehicles. It’s almost impossible to detect if carbon monoxide is in your home, so taking precautions is the only way to insure the safety of your family.
CARBON MONOXIDE SYMPTOMS:
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control, over 500 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning and 15,000 get treated at hospitals for carbon monoxide exposure. The report also found that an equal number of both men and women were treated at hospitals for exposure, but males were 2.3 times more likely to die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, people over the age of 65 were more likely to die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide exposure can affect anyone but can have stronger affects on infants, pregnant women, the elderly, pets, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
Headache, Nausea, Confusion, Dizziness, Vomiting
More severe symptoms include loss of consciousness, loss of muscle control, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can cause brain and heart damage and even death.
Sometimes carbon monoxide symptoms are confused with the same symptoms of the flu or food poisoning. The only way to diagnose carbon monoxide is with a blood test. If you think you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately.
After speaking with patients who had suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, they said not be embarrassed to call 911 or the fire department. Many people experience different symptoms, so don’t assume it can’t happen to you.
 CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS:
Smoke alarms have been a necessity in homes for years, but now carbon monoxide detectors are taking a place next to smoke alarms and becoming an essential product in home safety.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. Many states have adapted a carbon monoxide detector law but if your area does not have CO regulations, then you should still consider installing a detector. There are numerous types of carbon monoxide detectors on the market to choose from.
Kiddie Nighthawk, for example, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire and safety products, has several carbon monoxide detectors available, including product #900-0076, which plugs into the wall and is prepared for power outages by using a nine volt battery. This product continuously monitors your home for carbon monoxide levels ranging from 11 to 999 PPM. This product has several different mounting options including, direct-plug, power cord or the option of a table top display.
First Alert offers an all-in-one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. It includes a programmed voice that tells you the location of the unit if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. It can also store and communicate the levels of carbon monoxide and comes with a remote to temporarily silent alarms. It includes a low battery alert and a five-year warranty.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Taking proper safety precautions in your home is essential to preventing carbon monoxide leaks. Just as you would childproof your home to prevent accidents, proofing your home from carbon monoxide leaks can prevent the number one cause of accidental poisoning.
Properly install carbon monoxide detectors outside of each bedroom or in an area where the alarm can be heard from inside a closed bedroom. Make sure there is a detector on each level of the home and 15-20 feet away from the heat source. Don’t forget to test them on a regular basis.
When using a vent-free gas fireplace, open a window for ventilation. Have your fireplace inspected by a professional before you start using it for the winter months. If you use a vent-free range, then always use the range hood and make sure it’s working properly.
Carbon monoxide can also come from inside a garage. Never leave a car running in an enclosed garage because carbon monoxide can leak into the home. If you’re experiencing a power outage, do not use a generator or an oven to heat your home.
Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweeper. If the chimney is blocked by debris, then it can cause smoke or gas to come inside the house. Keep all heaters and combustion appliances properly maintained and have them inspected regularly, especially if you own older models. If the heater is not working properly, it can cause “spillage.” Circulating air can get into to the combustion chamber or combustion gases can leak into the circulating air causing dangerous gases to be distributed in the home.
During the winter months, we tend to keep the windows closed tight and doors shut to keep the cold air out. At the same time, all of the appliances and heaters are running and blowing air out. Even fireplaces blow air out, when not in use. With all of this air circulating inside, it can cause the air pressure to fall below the air pressure outdoors causing your home to become depressurized. When your home is shut tight, the air has no where to go. Backdraft is essentially combustion gas spilling. It can occur from numerous sources such as furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and water heaters.
You should have a professional inspect your combustion appliances for gas spillage. There are warning signs that you may be experiencing combustion gas spillage. Check for unusual noises coming from the appliance and black soot around the appliance.
PROTECTION FOR THE FUTURE:
Properly maintaining your home and following safety precautions is the best way to avoid problems with carbon monoxide. Although you may have to spend a little money to have your home inspected, maintained and have appliances repaired or installed, it’s worth it to keep your family safe.
~ By Brooke Chrichton
~ Photos courtesy Kidde & First Alert
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