This "invisible killer" is produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators or furnaces. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned. Ventilation does not guarantee safety.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can be at risk. The infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more prone to illness or death,
Winter can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars "invisible killer"in garages. So as the weather turns colder, it's important to take extra precautions.
Have your furnace, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
Do not use portable flame less chemical heaters indoors
Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished
Never use a gas oven for heating your home
Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open
Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptom severity varies depending on the level of carbon monoxide and the duration of exposure. Mild symptoms sometimes are mistaken for flu.
Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
High-level carbon monoxide poisoning results in:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Death
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside and get fresh air immediately. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home.
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
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