The conversation about carbon monoxide poisoning always heats up as the weather cools down. Each year, around 400 Americans lose their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning, and this odorless, colorless gas prompts 20,000 ER visits annually.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when a device that combusts natural gas or other fuel (wood, charcoal, gasoline, etc.) leaks or otherwise pollutes the air with dangerous CO gases. When inhaled, these gases attach to red blood cells, interrupting their job of carrying oxygen to the body tissues and effectively starving the body of oxygen.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are “headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as ‘flu-like.’ If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you.”
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
So how does one defend against this invisible threat? There are several simple steps homeowners can take:
- Install an adequate number of carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house. These devices will alert you if the amount of CO in your home reaches a dangerous level. Experts recommend they be placed on each floor, including in the basement and outside of sleeping areas. Additional units can also be placed near appliances and devices that use fuel.
- Check your detectors monthly to make sure each device is working soundly.
- Schedule a yearly furnace maintenance visit to ensure your unit is working as it should with no gas leakage. Keeping your furnace well maintained is important for safety and efficiency.
- Schedule yearly chimney cleaning and maintenance to keep your fireplace working properly.
- Know the symptoms and be alert. If the whole family (plus pets) are feeling off and are experiencing similar symptoms, that’s a very good indication that something isn’t right. Especially take note of symptoms that seem to get worse while you’re in the house but are alleviated when outdoors or away from home.
- Be smart about knowing which secondary heat sources are safe for indoor use and which are not. Never, for instance, use a gas oven or range to try to add heat to the home.
- Emergency generators should never be used inside the home or basement. Position them outside the home and at least 20 feet from doors or windows.
- Never leave a vehicle running in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, exit your home immediately, and call your local fire department to come assess the situation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! For additional resources and information, your gas company’s website is a great place to start.