A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning can happen within a matter of minutes and is responsible for
more deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison
can hurt you slowly in low levels, cause permanent neurological dysfunctions
in moderate levels or take lives in higher levels. Protection against
this deadly poison is as easy as installing a simple carbon monoxide detector
in your home or office.
CO emissions produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are used improperly or are not functioning adequately.
Carbon
monoxide poisoning is a serious threat that people need to get informed
about. By educating ourselves on the dangers of CO we can significantly
reduce the health risk as well as save lives. Although everyone needs
to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others.
The following are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Foetuses
- Infants
- Elderly People
- Those who suffer from anaemia, respiratory or heart disease
Precautionary Measures
Routinely at the beginning of every heating
season home owners should have their fuel burning
appliances checked by a qualified technician.
Appliances deteriorate with time and can be
a health risk to those who live in the home.
Besides having your appliances inspected, those using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to provide added peace of mind. Appliances can break down any time of year so it is important to have a back-up system in place to keep you informed when CO levels increase. A CO detector should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection. Also knowing which carbon monoxide detectors to choose and knowing how CO detectors work can help maximize security
Health Risks
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can
be confused with other illness symptoms and
can often go undetected. Carbon monoxide poisoning
can result in long term health problems if not
treated promptly. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches
and light-headedness should be checked by a
physician especially when more than one person
in the home is showing symptoms.