Protect Yourself From the Silent Killer
Perhaps the most serious safety concern associated with your gas or
oil burning furnace, kerosene heater or gas or wood-burning stove is
Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless gas that can be fatal if not detected early. CO is produced
by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Hence, the danger with
household appliances fueled with gas, oil, kerosene, or even wood.
If not properly maintained, these appliances can produce dangerous
levels of CO in the home.
Each year in the United States alone approximately 5,000 people are
treated for CO poisoning in emergency rooms. This number is probably
lower than the total of people actually affected by the hazard
because many individuals who suffer from the flu-like symptoms are
misdiagnosed and never receive treatment. In 1989, 220 deaths were
attributed to CO poisoning from gas-fired appliances alone.
The following series of Questions and Answers can help safeguard you
from this serious health hazard.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Inhalation of CO can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness,
confusion, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and weakness in healthy
individuals. At high levels, carbon monoxide may even result in loss
of consciousness and death. Because some of these symptoms are
similar to the flu or other common ailments, you may not immediately
associate them with CO poisoning. If you detect a sudden onset of
more than one of these symptoms, or they occur to more than one
person in the household at once, take steps immediately to remove
yourself from the environment and determine the cause.
Are some people more vulnerable to the exposure of CO than
others?
Infants, unborn babies, and Individuals with anemia or a history
of heart disease are more vulnerable to CO poisoning than others.
For people with chronic heart disease, low levels of carbon monoxide
can result in fatigue and increased chest pain. But no one is immune
to the debilitating effects or fatal potential of CO poisoning. If
you even suspect the potential presence of CO in your home. Act
immediately to ventilate the area or leave the premises until
professional help can be obtained.
How can I prevent dangerous levels of CO from accumulating in my
home?
There are primarily three things you can do to protect your family
from this subtle, silent killer:
-
Make sure your systems are correctly installed. - Proper
installation is vital to the safe operation of combustion
appliances. New appliances are equipped with installation
instructions that should be carefully followed. Conform to local
building codes as well. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to
guarantee proper venting as required. And always use a qualified
service technician to install combustion appliances. If in
doubt, call a technician to make sure your system is correctly
installed.
-
Make sure your systems are properly maintained - Have your
home’s central and room heating appliances, including water
heaters and gas dryers checked annually by a qualified service
technician. This annual inspection should include your furnace,
thermostat controls, automatic safety devices and all other
electrical and mechanical equipment. Here are a few other tips:
- Check chimneys and flues for loose connections, blockages,
and corrosion.
- Subscribe to an annual inspection/tune-up service agreement
so you don’t forget to have your system maintained on a regular
basis.
-
Install one or more UL Certified Carbon Monoxide Detectors in
your home. – CO detectors measure both high concentrations of CO
over short periods of time and low concentrations of CO over
long periods of time. Since the effects of CO can be cumulative,
both methods of protection are vital. Detectors are designed to
sound an alarm before the level of CO in a victim's blood
becomes crippling. Beware of low-priced detectors that change
color instead of sounding an alarm. These detectors require
frequent checking and won’t alert you to a sudden buildup of CO
in the air. Expect to spend between $35 and $80 for a UL rated
CO detector.
What are some of the signs that my home may be at risk for CO
problems?
Signs that may indicate improper appliance operation include:
-
Furnace
runs constantly or is unable to heat the house
-
Decreasing hot water supply
-
Unfamiliar or burning odor
-
Soot, especially on appliances
-
Increased condensation inside windows
Visible signs that may indicate a CO problem include:
-
Rust or stains on vents and/or chimneys
-
Improper connections on vents and/or chimneys
-
Appliances that make unusual sounds or emit unusual smells
-
An appliance that keeps shutting off. Many new appliances come
with safety features that prevent operation in unsafe
conditions. If you have an appliance that stops operating, it
may be due to a dangerous condition. Don't try to operate an
appliance that keeps shutting off. If this happens, contact your
service technician.
Additional Tips
-
Never use a range or oven to heat living areas of the home
-
Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in the home
-
Never keep a car running in an attached garage
