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Is
a colorless, odorless tasteless, highly toxic gas that is
undetectable to the human senses.
It is a by-product of combustion, present whenever
fuel is burned from:
Because
the gas is odorless, victims may become disoriented before
realizing any danger, unable to call for help or exit the
premises. CO
displaces oxygen in the blood, causing the brain, heart, and
other tissues, muscles, and organs to become oxygen starved.
Energy-efficient
homes may be more susceptible to CO poisoning because they
do not allow enough air in the home to dissipate normal CO
output.
It
is estimated that 300 deaths occur each year from CO
poisoning and 10,000 people seek medical attention due to CO
inhalation.
THINGS
TO WATCH FOR
-
Stuffy, stale, smelly air; exhaust fume smell;
unfamiliar or burning odor
-
Moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryer’s
exterior vent; soot on appliances
-
A furnace that runs constantly but heats
inadequately; loose or missing furnace panels
-
Appliances that
shut off, activating devices
HOUSEHOLD GUIDELINES
Installation,
maintenance, and operation of household devices to prevent
formation of dangerous CO levels should include:
1.
Installation by a professional according to
manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
2.
Maintenance through yearly inspections to eliminate
problems before they become hazardous.
3.
Use proper fuel;
operate according to manufacturer’s directions.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms
can mimic a common cold, a hangover, food poisoning,
depression, or flu (without body ache or fever).
If the family’s (or pet’s) symptoms decrease when
away from the house, seek medical treatment or get a blood
test for CO poisoning.
CO
poisoning is especially toxic to infants and children;
mother and unborn child; the elderly; smokers; people with
anemia, coronary or respiratory problems; and people with
immune system diseases.
Symptoms
include:
-
Dizziness,
ringing in the ears
-
Blurred
vision, burning eyes
-
Persistent
throbbing headaches
-
Tightness
across the forehead
-
Pale
skin
-
Nausea
and vomiting
-
Confusion,
disorientation, loss of muscle control
-
Fainting,
unconsciousness
-
Sleepiness,
never feeling rested
-
Rapid
heartbeat or pulse, fluttering or throbbing of the
heart, tightening of the chest
-
Shortness
of breath
-
Chest
pain (angina) when exercising
-
Intoxicated
appearance
-
Sudden
death
CO
DETECTORS
CO
detectors sound an alarm when unacceptable levels of CO are
in the air. Without testing instruments, CO is virtually impossible to
detect.
-
Look for UL-approval, standard 2034 detectors.
-
Install detectors on every level of the home,
in the vicinity of the heating unit, and in RVs.
-
Be sure alarms can be heard from every
sleeping area.
-
Test the same was as smoke
detectors. CO
detectors are NOT a substitute for smoke detectors.
If
The Alarm Sounds
-
Leave
immediately even if you do not
feel symptoms.
Follow your home escape plan.
Open doors and windows (on your way out).
-
Meet
at pre-arranged meeting place, away from the home.
-
Call
for help from another location.
-
Never
re-enter the home until help arrives and the danger
passes.
Who
To Call For Help
-
For
symptoms of CO poisoning call 9-1-1, the fire
department, or the gas department’s emergency number.
Seek medical attention.
-
If
alarm sounds and there are no symptoms, call a qualified
appliance technician.
-
Is
a CO leak is suspected or you smell gas, call the gas
department immediately.
Professionals can identify and eliminate the CO
problem.
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