![]() There are effective ways to identify carbon monoxide in the home even though it is not apparent to human senses. But the bottom line is that everyone is at risk when a killer is invisible! So are the elderly, those with respiratory or heart conditions, and those who suffer from anemia. Pregnant women and their unborn babies, and children are at increased risk. Some people are at greater risk than others. Higher levels of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death. Nevertheless, if you notice that your symptoms get better when you are away from home, and then get worse again when you return – take note! Some appliances in your home may be producing this deadly gas. Of course, these are common symptoms that can be caused by any number of conditions. Some of the symptoms of exposure to relatively low levels of carbon monoxide include: It may be present in your home without your even knowing it. Even if the door is open, carbon monoxide can build to dangerous levels.Įvery year, hundreds of people die of carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember that gasoline is also a fuel – don't warm up the car in the garage. This is one reason why generators and grills should never be operated in the house or attached garage – more ventilation is needed! Place them away from open windows and doors, too. Outside, items such as lawn mowers, power generators, and barbeque grills also produce lots of carbon monoxide. Checking flues and other air outlets becomes especially important in these homes. In "air-tight" homes even minimal amounts of carbon monoxide from appliances can add up to dangerous levels unless there is adequate ventilation. If you have a newer home or have recently weatherized your home, it may be very "air-tight". So can pilot lights that burn with a yellow flame rather than a blue one. Pilot lights that keep going out can be a danger signal of carbon monoxide build-up. Homeowners should also check pilot lights on these appliances. Ideally, every year homeowners should have fuel burning appliances and their ventilation systems checked by a certified heating or appliance professional. Proper venting is extremely important for these appliances. Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the EnvironmentĬommon sources in your home include the furnace, the fireplace or wood burning stove, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers. In fact, it interferes with the body's ability to get oxygen to all of its cells. Unfortunately, our bodies prefer carbon monoxide to oxygen, but carbon monoxide does not have the ability to keep us alive the way oxygen does. But, amounts as little as 15 parts per million can begin to affect vulnerable people. In extremely low levels, it does not cause harm. It is produced by burning almost any kind of fuel and is present in everything from cigarette smoke to car exhaust. Using barbeques or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle or lawn mower engines in your garage, can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.What substance is colorless, tasteless, poisonous, and deadly that we are all exposed to almost every day? It is a gas called "carbon monoxide". Causes of carbon monoxide poisoningĬommon household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained.Īppliances that can cause carbon monoxide include: They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Check if you have carbon monoxide poisoningĬarbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you. Carbon monoxide can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in.
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