Protecting You and Your Family from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide can kill you. Indeed, CO, as it is also called, kills close to 500 people in America each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC adds that more than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to unintentional CO poisoning on a yearly basis as well.

Meanwhile, in other countries, especially those where people use charcoal for cooking and heating, CO poisoning is most common fatal poisoning. Yes, CO can kill you.

Where Does CO Come From?

CO comes from combustion fumes, which are produced by gasoline engines, gas stoves, charcoal and wood fires, gas heating systems, and gas-powered vehicles. When these running engines, fires, and appliances are in enclosed spaces, the odorless gas they generate has nowhere to go. It accumulates silently until, without warning, the people in the space are poisoned.

What Are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Realizing that you are being poisoned by CO is difficult unless you are already suspecting that there is a high level of CO. However, be on the lookout for headaches, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and confusion.

How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO?

You and your family do not have to be poisoned by the gas. There is much you can do to protect you and your loved ones. In fact, you owe it to them to make your home a safe one.

Each year, have your gas-, oil-, and coal-burning appliances inspected and serviced by a certified technician. When purchasing new gas appliances and equipment, you must only select those that have earned the seal of the CSA Group or another national testing agency. Finally, ensure that your home has been fitted with a CO detector on each of its levels along with additional units 15 feet from its bedrooms. Test the batteries of these detectors each time you set your clocks ahead or back.