CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas which is practically odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. Carbon monoxide is always formed when a fuel containing carbon is inadequately burned with poor ventilation. Kerosene, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and automobile exhaust fumes are common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. Natural gas in the United States does not contain carbon monoxide, but it may form if the gas is burned without adequate air supplies.

Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces symptoms ranging from headache, dizziness, flushed skin, disorientation, troubled thinking, abnormal reflexes, shortness of breath, fainting, and convulsions, to coma and even death. Heart problems are also aggravated by the presence of carbon monoxide because the heart must pump harder. Children, persons with respiratory illness or anemia, and the aged may be particularly sensitive. Chronic exposure to low carbon monoxide levels impairs judgement and increases the time required to make decisions.

If you have an attached garage, always make sure the door to the house is closed and the garage door is open when the car is running. If you think that you have a problem with carbon monoxide fumes, contact your local or state Department of Health for assistance.

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