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eNEWSLETTERS

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

After a long day you most likely want nothing more than to go home and just relax. Once you put the kids to sleep and your head hits the pillow you are most likely assured that everyone in the house is safe and you can sleep peacefully.

Sadly enough the "silent killer" could be lurking throughout your home without you even knowing, putting the whole family at risk of illness and/or even death.

Winter's Silent Killer

What is known as the "silent killer" is actually carbon monoxide poisoning, also known as CO. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year due to non-automotive CO. And nearly 5,000 U.S. citizens are admitted to the hospital. Since so many deaths occur due to defective or improper use of in home heating devices, CO has been given the name "silent, cold weather killer". It is important that you and your family get educated on what carbon monoxide actually is, how you can become exposed to it, how to treat CO symptoms, how to prevent it.

It is important that you and your family get educated on what carbon monoxide actually is, how you can become exposed to it, how to treat CO symptoms, how to prevent it.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced when fuel- gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, or coal is burned. CO is extremely dangerous when people are exposed to it in an enclosed space, or unventilated area (Iyer, 2006).

Why is it harmful?

CO is harmful when breathed in because it absorbs into the blood stream and displaces oxygen necessary to vital organs. In some cases it can cause permanent brain damage and even death.

People may fall ill or become unconscious quickly because they do not realize they need to get fresh air.

Where does CO come from?

CO comes from devices that burn fuels. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is at risk of releasing CO.

For example;

Cooking ranges
Toasters
Charcoal grills
Wood burning stoves
Furnaces
Room heaters
Water heaters
Portable generators
Automobiles running in a closed garage

Carbon Monoxide Symptoms

The scary fact of CO poisoning is most people just think they are coming down with the flu, minus the fever, causing them not to go to the doctor.

Initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning:

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Nausea

Severe symptoms of high levels of CO poisoning:

Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscle control
Loss of conscience
Death

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

According to carbonmonoxidekills.com:

Proper appliance installation- READ the instruction manual.
Yearly Maintenance.
Proper appliance use.
Timely inspections.
Purchase a CO prevention alarm.

For more information on what to look for when purchasing a CO alarm and where to place it in your home, please visit: http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/27/carbon-monoxide-advice

Please watch this video on why carbon monoxide kills: http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/index.php

If you feel you or someone you know may be experiencing CO poisoning, please call 911.

Sources:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/feb06/carbon.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html
http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/27/carbon-monoxide-advice
http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm

Missouri