Carbon Monoxide-The Silent Killer

Protect Yourself From the Silent Killer

Perhaps the most serious safety concern associated with your gas or oil burning furnace, kerosene heater or gas or wood-burning stove is Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal if not detected early. CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Hence, the danger with household appliances fueled with gas, oil, kerosene, or even wood. If not properly maintained, these appliances can produce dangerous levels of CO in the home.

Each year in the United States alone approximately 5,000 people are treated for CO poisoning in emergency rooms. This number is probably lower than the total of people actually affected by the hazard because many individuals who suffer from the flu-like symptoms are misdiagnosed and never receive treatment. In 1989, 220 deaths were attributed to CO poisoning from gas-fired appliances alone.

The following series of Questions and Answers can help safeguard you from this serious health hazard.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

Inhalation of CO can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and weakness in healthy individuals. At high levels, carbon monoxide may even result in loss of consciousness and death. Because some of these symptoms are similar to the flu or other common ailments, you may not immediately associate them with CO poisoning. If you detect a sudden onset of more than one of these symptoms, or they occur to more than one person in the household at once, take steps immediately to remove yourself from the environment and determine the cause.

Are some people more vulnerable to the exposure of CO than others?

Infants, unborn babies, and Individuals with anemia or a history of heart disease are more vulnerable to CO poisoning than others. For people with chronic heart disease, low levels of carbon monoxide can result in fatigue and increased chest pain. But no one is immune to the debilitating effects or fatal potential of CO poisoning. If you even suspect the potential presence of CO in your home. Act immediately to ventilate the area or leave the premises until professional help can be obtained.

How can I prevent dangerous levels of CO from accumulating in my home?

There are primarily three things you can do to protect your family from this subtle, silent killer:
 

1. Make sure your systems are correctly installed. - Proper installation is vital to the safe operation of combustion appliances. New appliances are equipped with installation instructions that should be carefully followed. Conform to local building codes as well. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to guarantee proper venting as required. And always use a qualified service technician to install combustion appliances. If in doubt, call a technician to make sure your system is correctly installed.
2. Make sure your systems are properly maintained - Have your home’s central and room heating appliances, including water heaters and gas dryers checked annually by a qualified service technician. This annual inspection should include your furnace, thermostat controls, automatic safety devices and all other electrical and mechanical equipment. Here are a few other tips:
   -    Check chimneys and flues for loose connections, blockages, and corrosion.
   -    Subscribe to an annual inspection/tune-up service agreement so you don’t forget to have your system maintained on a regular basis.
3. Install one or more UL Certified Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home. – CO detectors measure both high concentrations of CO over short periods of time and low concentrations of CO over long periods of time. Since the effects of CO can be cumulative, both methods of protection are vital. Detectors are designed to sound an alarm before the level of CO in a victim's blood becomes crippling. Beware of low-priced detectors that change color instead of sounding an alarm. These detectors require frequent checking and won’t alert you to a sudden buildup of CO in the air. Expect to spend between $35 and $80 for a UL rated CO detector.

What are some of the signs that my home may be at risk for CO problems?

Signs that may indicate improper appliance operation include:
 

• Furnace runs constantly or is unable to heat the house
• Decreasing hot water supply
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Soot, especially on appliances
• Increased condensation inside windows

Visible signs that may indicate a CO problem include:
 

• Rust or stains on vents and/or chimneys
• Improper connections on vents and/or chimneys
• Appliances that make unusual sounds or emit unusual smells
• An appliance that keeps shutting off. Many new appliances come with safety features that prevent operation in unsafe conditions. If you have an appliance that stops operating, it may be due to a dangerous condition. Don't try to operate an appliance that keeps shutting off. If this happens, contact your service technician.

Additional Tips
 

• Never use a range or oven to heat living areas of the home
• Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in the home
• Never keep a car running in an attached garage

Call Brother's today at 1-800-849-2881 and have your home checked for CO poisoning before it is too late.