How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Posted on 05. Mar, 2011 by Admin in Indoor Air Quality

Every winter, several families have near-death experiences with carbon monoxide. Sometimes people don’t survive exposure to this poisonous gas in their home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is difficult to detect, but proper precautions and education can help you avoid being exposed.

1. Know where carbon monoxide is being produced in your home . This gas is produced whenever a carbon fuel is burned. Carbon fuels include kerosene, oil, coal and wood. Improper use of carbon-burning appliances or inadequate ventilation most often causes poisoning.

2. Have appliances that use carbon fuels serviced regularly. For example, furnaces and fireplaces should be inspected – if not cleaned – annually to ensure that they are working at their peak efficiency.

3. Don’t allow cars to idle in a garage with the garage door closed. This seems like common sense, but every year there are a number of deaths because of this.

4. Install carbon monoxide detectors. And make sure they are installed correctly (you can read more about that here.)

5. Recognize signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms caused by low to moderate levels of carbon monoxide include nausea, headaches, vomiting, confusion and fatigue. These symptoms mimic the flu, but if more than one family member has these symptoms or if the family pet shows some of these signs, carbon monoxide may have reached an unsafe level in your home. Read more about that here!
Open doors and windows, and get medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Take victims to a hospital and contact the fire department. The fire department will find the source of the leak or leaks.

Related posts:

1. How-To Evaluate Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Symptoms?
2. How To Place Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
3. CBS Early Show: Carbon Monoxide Prevention