Nicknamed the “Silent Killer”, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. Even though you can’t see it or smell it, being exposed to high levels of this poisonous gas can kill a person within minutes. Carbon Monoxide is produced when any fuel such as gasoline, oil, wood, kerosene or charcoal is burned. This gas is harmful when inhaled because it displaces oxygen in the blood and leaves the heart, brain and other vital organs without proper levels of oxygen.

Here are a few safety tips to help prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home and office!

• Carbon Monoxide alarms should be placed in a central area, preferably outside each sleeping area and on every level of homes and offices. For the best protection, interconnect all CO detectors. When one sounds, they will all sound.
• Test CO detectors at least once a month.
• If your CO detector sounds, immediately move to a location that provides fresh air (either outside or by an open window or door).
• Only use gas or charcoal grills outside as they both can produce carbon monoxide.
• If you need to warm up your vehicle before driving it, be sure to move it out of the garage immediately after starting it. Also, check that the exhaust pipe is free of debris and anything that could block its opening.
• Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside if at all possible. Make sure you maintain them according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
• Do not sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• NEVER ignore carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them.

Make sure you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. A few key symptoms can include (but are not limited to), headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and a feeling of faintness. Many of these symptoms can be similar to those of the flu, which could deter you from considering CO poisoning as the cause.

If you don’t think Carbon Monoxide poisoning can happen to you, check out these examples that have been in the news recently…

• The Best Western deaths one year later
• Fire Department responds to gas leak at Las Vegas Ice Center
• St. Albans man dies of Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Sources: www.osha.com;www.nfpa.org/; www.epa.gov/

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