Carbon Monoxide (CO)
The Silent Killer
Quick Facts About CO
What Is It?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas.
Causes:
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning any fossil fuel. Carbon monoxide in the home can be caused by - blocked or dirty vents, chimneys, and flue pipes. It can also be caused by improper ventilation from furnaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces or wood stoves. Lastly, carbon monoxide is also a by-product of any fossil fuel powered engine (i.e. cars, generators).
Symptoms of CO Poisoning:
At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of muscle control. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time.
Low levels of carbon monoxide can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illness, you may not think that CO Poisoning could be the cause.
Effects:
If inhaled, carbon monoxide robs the blood of oxygen and can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death if subject to prolonged exposure.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Carbon monoxide detectors are an important safety device that any homeowner should add to their home, but they should not be used as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fossil fuel-burning appliances. The best way to prevent CO problems in your home is to have your appliances checked yearly, and to follow the DO's and DON'T's of CO Safety.
DO's
- Do have your fossil fuel-burning appliances inspected annually
- Do learn the symptoms and effects of CO Poisoning
- Do purchase a CO monitor to alert you to dangerous levels of CO
DON'T's
- Don't idle a car in a garage, even if the garage door is open. Dangerous levels of CO can still build up and enter the house.
- Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
- Don't ever use a charcoal grill indoors - even in a fireplace.
- Don't sleep in any room with and unvented gas or kerosene space heater
- Don't use any gasoline-powered engines in an enclosed space.
- Don't ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
Brant Mutual Insurance sells American Sensor carbon monoxide detectors to our policyholders at a subsidized cost of $35.00 (taxes included). Contact your agent, broker, or our office for more information.
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