Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is considered poisonous, with minimal exposure, and deadly when exposure occurs at high levels. Even at low levels carbon monoxide can cause neurological problems and poisoning can occur in as little as a few minutes. Carbon monoxide is typically produced when fuel is burned to power furnaces or hot water heaters. Fuel-burning appliances usually don't produce harmful amounts of carbon monoxide but they will if they are used incorrectly, improperly vented, or not adequately maintained.
There are numerous symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning that households who have fuel burning appliances should be aware of. Knowing the symptoms will allow for immediate actions to be taken which can also help prevent injury or death.
Carbon monoxide poising symptoms:
Slurred speech similar to having too much alcohol
Slightly to moderately incoherent, not making sense
Disoriented like having a very high fever
Blue lips similar to contact with cold water
Runny nose that feels like cold or flu symptoms
Watery eyes similar to allergies or hay fever
Nausea
Headaches, usually dull at first then turning more sever
Light-headedness
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often confused with other illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. The presence of low levels of carbon monoxide will accumulate in the body over time and eventually cause serious health issues if no action is taken. Symptoms should be checked by a doctor, especially in cases where more than one person in the home is showing them. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be detected by a simple blood test. High levels can cause death in a short period of time. Fresh air will help the body purge the carbon monoxide but it can take days before it is completely out of the system.
Preventative safety measures:
Homes that have fuel-burning appliances such as gas ranges, gas or oil furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector and alarm. All appliances will eventually deteriorate. A carbon monoxide detector is the perfect back up system when this happens. Detectors should be placed on every floor of the home or at least at the lower level for optimal safety.
Some other safety measures you can take to make your home safer from carbon monoxide poisoning:
Fuel-burning appliances should be checked by a technician at the beginning of every heating season.
Chimneys and flues should be checked for obstructions and cleaned.
Appliances should be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
Never let your car sit in the garage when running, even if the garage door is open.
Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even if just for a short period of time.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector is quite easy for the DIY homeowner. You can install a detector into your smoke and fire alarm system or you can purchase a separately battery powered Kidde carbon monoxide detector and install it in the lower level of your home. The more you know about carbon monoxide the better you will be able to detect it in your home before you become a victim of it.
