How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning could have been prevent if people had acquired and educated themselves in the safety measures and basic knowledge of the signs and symptoms of this lethal and deadly silent killer. This article will give you some basic information about carbon monoxide gas and what you should do to prevent it doing harm to you and your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The common signs and symptoms of carbon dioxide (CO) gas poisoning are headaches that gradually becomes worse over time as more CO gas accumulates in the confined space or room the he house or office, dizziness, blurry vision ,weakness. The person will later complain of nausea and vomiting, chest pain and eventually difficulty in breathing. In severe cases of CO poisoning the person become disorientated and confused and eventually lose consciousness. If you suspect you have CO poisoning you should seek immediate medical attention.

2. Implementing some safety measures and precautions in the house will help prevent cases of Co poisoning. You can purchase CO monitors or alarms at most hardware or specialty stores. They function just like fire alarms by detecting CO gas in the air and setting off an alarm signal. Install an alarm in every level of the house and especially in rooms where gas or kerosene heaters are used. Alarms should be replaced every 3 to 4 years.

3. regularly check your heaters and appliance s in the house to see that they are not faulty and are installed properly. Ensure that there are adequate ventilation , venting and air supply to the house and rooms.

4. Do not use charcoal barbecue in the house or a confined environment and don't leave kerosene heaters or gas heaters on overnight. NEVER leave the car engine running in a close garage as the CO gas expelled form the exhaust will build up rapidly in the confined area.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to test the CO alarms regular to see that they are functioning properly.
• Ensure that the CO alarms meets the criteria and requirements of the Underwriters laboratories standard 2034.
• IF You suspect CO poisoning then you must remove all person from the immediate vicinity to an open ventilated area and take yourself or the victims immediately to the ER or seek immediate medical attention.
• This article is not a replacement or substitute for seeking medical attention form your own medical doctor or professional health care giver.

Resources

• Jewell Productions TV

[DrJewell]

on 3/3/2008 Hi...depends on the type, age and condition of the heaters...that is why is it better to be safe and install a CO monitor especially in areas with no or little ventilation.

[Consultant]

on 3/2/2008 Dr. Jewell,
I had a question about the presence of CO in apartments, which have no ventilation system during the winter months when windows have to remain shut? Could CO still be present in electrically heated areas?

How present is CO in older appliances and is this easily verifiable?

[DrJewell]

on 2/28/2008 that's right..that is why it is so important to really have a monitor installed in the home and to do regular check up on them every month to ensure they are working properly. CO poisoning can be a killer!!!

[pianoman]

on 2/28/2008 Carbon monoxide is particularly insidious because it is colorless and odorless.