A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Levels - How Much is too Much?
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless, odorless
and tasteless gas. Due to this fact, it is very
hard to detect the presence of CO in your environment.
It is, however, imperative that the CO levels
in your home are carefully monitored. Even at
relatively low levels, CO is poisonous because
it rapidly accumulates in the blood thereby
depleting its ability to carry oxygen. Extreme
cases of CO poisoning result in death.
Where does carbon
monoxide come from?
CO is a common by product of the combustion of fossil fuels. When
properly installed and maintained, most fuel burning equipment (natural
gas, propane or oil) will produce insignificant amounts of CO.
At what level does carbon monoxide become
toxic?
For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when
it reaches a level higher than 50 ppm (parts
per million) with continuous exposure over an
eight hour period.. When the level of CO becomes
higher than that, a person will suffer from
symptoms of exposure. Mild exposure over a few
hours (a CO level between 70 ppm and 100 ppm)
include flu-like symptoms such as headaches,
sore eyes and a runny nose. Medium exposure
(a CO level between 150 ppm to 300 ppm) will
produce dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting.
Extreme exposure (a CO level of 400 ppm and
higher) will result in unconsciousness, brain
damage and death.
How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- have a qualified technician install and regularly
inspect all fuel burning appliances
- regularly inspect fireplaces and chimneys
to insure proper ventilation
- never use a gas or charcoal barbeque indoors
- never start a car or gas run lawnmower or
snow blower in a closed garage.
- install a carbon monoxide detector in your
home.
About the Author: Alexandria Haber is a freelance writer and is the head researcher and content manager for http://www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/.