Keefe In Touch - March 2011: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Greatings

Want to know more?

For a comprehensive fact sheet on carbon monoxide poisoning, go to
the CDC Website

DID YOU KNOW?

Where is CO found?

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

Where is CO found?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Who is at risk from CO poisoning?

All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups - unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems - are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

Quick Links

Mass RMV online

Many articles focus on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning during the fall and winter months when heating systems are running. But did you know that the risks are just as great during spring and summer? For example, if there is a big thunder storm that knocks out the power, do you head to the garage to start the generator you bought for winter power outages? If your barbecue is "rained out", are you tempted to drag the grill to the garage or your screened porch? Are you sure your new natural gas clothes dryer is properly vented? Are you renting an "off-grid" cabin for vacation with propane lights, stove and refrigerator? Do you know how to operate these appliances safely?

As the cost of electricity continues to soar, more alternative appliances are being introduced. And people don't consider the risks these can pose, because they are unaware that there are any risks. But there are steps to keep you and your family safe.

Carbon Monoxide: the invisible killer

Odorless, tasteless, invisible carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly threat. It results in hundreds of fatalities every year. Yet its causes and detection methods remain a mystery to most people.

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels: gas, oil, coal and wood used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas stoves and clothes dryers, water heaters, solid fuel appliances, barbecue grills and open fires.

CO concentrations can accumulate as a result of the poor installation, lack of maintenance or damage to an appliance that is in use. If rooms are poorly ventilated, CO cannot escape. Gradual build up of CO in the house, especially at night when everyone is asleep, becomes a major hazard.

How does CO poisoning work?

blood cell diagram

Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

CO Protection Safeguards

Check the flame color of your appliances. If it is orange, you have a problem. Call a service technician.
Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside the house, not even inside a fireplace.
Have your chimney, fireplace, furnaces, gas water heater and other fuel-based appliances checked and cleaned by trained specialists every year.
Make sure your home has adequate ventilation.
Make sure your garage has adequate ventilation if your car engine is running. Sometimes opening the garage door isn't enough to keep the exhaust from coming into the house, especially if the garage is attached to the house or under the house.
Use a portable generator at least 15 feet from the house. Do not run one in your garage, deck, porch, tent, basement or cabin.
Never leave a gas clothes dryer or gas bar fireplace running when you go to bed.
Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don't have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters' Laboratories.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you install CO detector alarms in your home. Place them on walls (about 10 feet up) with special attention to locating them near sleeping areas. They are the most important safeguard for you and your family. Safety experts recommend carbon monoxide detectors with a low-level indicator. Some plug into electrical outlets; others are battery-operated.

Keep safe around your vehicle.

Bus or Car

Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your car every year. A small leak in your car's exhaust system can lead to a build up of CO inside the car.
If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate, you also need to open vents or windows to make sure air is moving through your car. If only the tailgate is open CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the car.

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