How to Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As winter approaches, there will be a rise in the incidents of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can be fatal. Here are some ways to protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carbon monoxide detector

1. Of utmost importance to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning is to buy a detector. These detectors are fairly inexpensive ($30-$80), and are required by law in some states. There are several different types, from simple plug-in ones, to permanent installations

2. Understand that if it burns...It creates carbon monoxide. Fuel oil, Natural Gas, Propane, Wood, Kerosene... all of these produce carbon monoxide. The only commonly used heat source that does not produce CO (carbon monoxide) is electric heat.

3. Have your heating system checked for CO emissions at the beginning of each heating season

4. Do not use a combustible fuel heat source for additional heating. Examples: A propane or gas cooking stove, a camping stove or a camping heater. Use only approved electrical space heaters for additional warmth. Or a properly installed combustible fuel heat source, vented to the outdoors.

5. Do not run your car in a closed garage. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning buy warming up your car out doors, or with the garage door open

6. If stranded in your car in the winter, keep each window open about one inch if you need to run your car for heating purposes.

7. For more information, and a list of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, visit the US EPA link below

Resources

• US EPA

[consignmentchic]

on 3/23/2009 My fiancee was tragically killed from this when we were in college, his whole family nearly died. Thanks for raising awareness on an unfamiliar subject! 5**** Recommended!