What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It is usually found in the fumes produced by vehicles, lanterns, home heating systems, and stoves. CO is also produced when people burn wood or charcoal. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to sudden death or illness.
CO poisoning symptoms
The most common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include chest pain, vomiting, weakness, headache, and nausea. People who do not recognize these symptoms and seek fresh air lose consciousness and eventually die. The problem with CO poisoning is it is not easy to diagnose, which means a sleeping or intoxicated person may never realize they are practically dying.
Overview of CO poisoning
The body’s red blood cells tend to absorb carbon monoxide faster than oxygen. In a CO rich environment, the body may replace oxygen with this odorless but lethal gas. As a result, the body is starved of oxygen leading to tissue damage and death. Moreover, proteins in body tissues can absorb CO causing serious damage to affected tissues.
People and animals at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone including animals can succumb to CO poisoning. However, babies, chronic heart disease patients, senior citizens (65 years and older), and people with respiratory health problems are more susceptible to CO poisoning.
Tips on preventing CO poisoning at home
To ensure you or loved ones do not succumb to CO poisoning, you should hire a qualified technician to service/repair your HVAC system. The rule of thumb is to have your home heating system serviced at least once annually. Secondly, do not use catalytic heaters indoors. Remember these heaters burn gas making it easy for CO to build up inside you house. Thirdly, only purchase gas burners/heaters that have a national testing agency seal such as CSA Group.
How to prevent CO poisoning in your vehicle
Firstly, do not leave your car running inside a closed garage. Secondly, hire a mechanic to check your car’s exhaust system every year. Thirdly, keep the windows open when driving a vehicle with a tailgate.
In conclusion, carbon monoxide poisoning can affect people of all ages as well as animals. To avoid you or a loved one becoming a victim, do not use flameless heaters at home or leave your car running in an enclosed space. Finally, Call Us for all your HVAC needs.
