Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poison

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Carbon Monoxide, also know as CO and “The Silent Killer,” is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating toxic deadly gas. If you breathe enough of it, the results can be fatal. Often the victims are unaware of the hazard because you can’t see, taste or smell it.
Contributing to the dangers are home energy conservation measures. Many homeowners have improved their energy cost by installing energy efficient windows and doors, increasing the insulation values in the attic and/or crawl space, and adding weather stripping around doors and windows. These improvements have made homes airtight, but they can trap CO-polluted air inside the home.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous? Because Carbon Monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is virtually impossible to detect its presence by human senses. Instead, the damage from this poisonous gas is due to the reduced delivery of vital oxygen needed by the brain, heart and other vital tissues to sustain life.

Where does Carbon Monoxide occur? Quite often, contributing sources are malfunctioning appliances such as gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas and wood fireplaces, gas cooking ranges and spaces heaters. Another common source of serious CO poisoning is automobile exhaust fumes (in attached garages) and the exhaust vented into confined spaces within the home.

CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in America. Each year, an average of 300 hundred people are killed and thousands injured as a result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. In fact, CO causes more accidental poisonings in America than any other chemical substance.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? The physical symptoms of CO poisoning are often misdiagnosed by doctors because Carbon Monoxide poisoning is so similar to the common cold or flu. Symptoms of low level CO poisoning may include nausea, dizziness, headaches, chronic fatigue, drowsiness, vomiting, and confusion. Other indications may include whether or not members of the household are experiencing symptoms and if you feel better when you’re away from the house for a period of time.

Who is at risk from Carbon Monoxide poisoning? CO poisoning can happen to anyone. Babies, small children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with heart disease.  Those taking medication or those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are especially susceptible to CO poisoning.

How can I protect myself from Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Always have a properly trained, conscientious and competent contractor do the installation of your heating system. Then seriously consider a yearly maintenance plan with carbon monoxide testing to ensure the system. In addition to a yearly maintenance plan, consider purchasing and installing a reliable Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm near your thermostat.

Contact the air experts at Nevada Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Ask our tech, request a service or offer feedback, please.