Tips To Protect Yourself Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) kills approximately 400 people in the U.S. and spurs 20,000 hospital emergency room visits each year. While children and elderly are more susceptible to the potentially fatal effects of CO poisoning, the fact is that no one is completely safe from its effects. By following some basic precautions, though, you can reduce your risk of CO exposure, and subsequently, CO poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide, The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to the fact that it's both colorless and odorless. While other forms of harmful gas are often given additives to mimic the smell of rotten eggs, CO is practically undetectable without the use of CO testing equipment.  This is one of the reasons why there are so many cases of accidental CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Later stages of CO poisoning may include flu-like symptoms

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It's important to note that CO is emitted by most gas/propane-burning devices. Earlier this month, a fishing boat captain and his skipper both died from CO poisoning after falling asleep with a single gas burner eye lit on the stove. The captain lit the burner to help his skipper, whom way complaining of a toothache, stay warm. However, the burner continued to emit CO while the two men were asleep, create a fatal buildup of toxic CO that killed the men before they awoke.

Unfortunately, stories such as this are all too common. While CO poisoning doesn't always occur on the seas, this is just one example of how a seemingly harmless gas-burning appliance can prove to be deadly. It only takes a single gas-burning eye to produce enough toxic CO to kill two men, which is why it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself against CO poisoning.

How To Protect Yourself Against CO Poisoning:

• Only use propane gas grills in open outdoor environments.
• Install a CO detector in your home.
• Gas generators should never be used indoors; only use them in open outdoor environments.
• Have your home's heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system inspected by a professional technician.
• Never leave your car running in the garage.
• Gas stoves and fireplaces should be vented outside when in use.
• If you intend to build a fire inside your home this winter, have your chimney inspected and cleaned beforehand.