Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It cannot be seen, smelled
or tasted, and can be fatal when high levels are breathed. Symptoms
of carbon monoxide are similar to those of the flu and allergies.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may also be misdiagnosed as migraine headache,
stroke, food poisoning or heart disease. Over 500 people in the
United States die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning each year.
CO poisoning more seriously affects infants, people with lung or
heart disease, or people with anemia. The following information
will help you better understand the ways you can protect your family
from dangers associated with carbon monoxide.
Where
does carbon monoxide poisoning come from?
- Fuel-burning machinery used indoors such as generators without
proper ventilation.
- Car
exhaust fumes entering the house from the garage.
- Combustion
equipment such as furnaces or water heaters when not working properly
or that have a blocked exhaust system.
What
can you do?
Carbon
monoxide poisoning is preventable. The following tips and pointers
can help keep your family safe:
- Never run your car in a closed garage.
- Make
sure fuel burning appliances are installed by a professional and
that they are working properly.
- Choose
vented appliances when possible.
- Never
use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
- Have
your heating system and chimneys inspected each year.
- During
winter months check frequently that vents, flues and chimneys
are not blocked by snow or ice.
- Replace
dirty air filters on heating and cooling systems.
- Never
run a generator, power washer, or any diesel or gasoline-powered
engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure.
- Keep
your home well ventilated - Install ventilation for indoor combustion
appliances and consider installing air exchanges or air conditioning
if your home is tightly sealed.
- Never
use a charcoal grill, hibachi, or camping lantern or portable
stove inside your home, tent or camper.
- Install
carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.
- Talk
to your doctor or local health department if you suspect that
you, or a family member, might be suffering from carbon monoxide
fumes.
- Call
your local building or code enforcement agency if you have concerns
about the combustion appliances in your home.
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