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Learning about Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless,
highly toxic gas that is undetected to the human senses. It is a by-product of
combustion, present whenever fuel is burned from:
Kerosene
Charcoal Diesel fuel
Wood Gasoline
Propane
Coal
Oil Methane
Tobacco Smoke Natural or Liquefied
petroleum (LP) gas
Because the gas is odorless, victims may become
disoriented before realizing any danger, unable to call for help or exit the
premises. CO displaces oxygen in the blood, causing the brain, heart, and other
tissues, muscles and organs to become oxygen starved, a condition called
carboxyhemoglobin or COHb.
Energy-efficient homes may be more susceptible to CO
poisoning because they do not allow enough air in the home to dissipate normal
CO output.
It is
estimated that 300 deaths occur each year from CO poisoning and 10,000 people
seek medical attention due to CO inhalation.
OUTSIDE THE HOME
Cars, outdoor equipment, recreational vehicles
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Never leave a vehicle running in a garage with or without the
garage door open. Inspect for exhaust leaks.
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Never use fuel-burning heaters or lanterns while sleeping in
tents, campers, RV's or other enclosed areas.
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Do not store propane tanks indoors.
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Start all gas, diesel, or propane-powered equipment outside.
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Use paint strippers and solvents outdoors or in adequately
ventilated areas.
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Even with the door open, never use a barbecue grill in the
garage or house, in a trailer, van or camper.
INSIDE THE HOME
Furnace, fireplace, wood stove, water heater, space or
portable heaters, appliances
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Avoid extensive use of kerosene heaters; always vent to
outside.
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Inspect and service heating and cooling systems before each
season.
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Check water heater for improper burner adjustment and low
supply of hot water.
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Keep fireplace flue open for adequate ventilation and until
embers are completely burned out.
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If you see a mostly yellow pilot light not positioned upright,
call for service, never adjust it yourself.
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Never install or operate gas-burning appliances, furnaces or
water heaters in unvented enclosures.
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Examine chimney and vents for blockages, cracks, leaks,
improper connections, rust, water streaking, stains; debris or soot; loose,
damaged, discolored bricks or masonry; hot draft or none at all.
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Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
HOUSEHOLD GUIDELINES
Installation, maintenance, and operation of household
devices to prevent formation of dangerous CO levels should include:
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Installation according to manufacturer's instructions and
local building codes.
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Maintenance through yearly inspections to eliminate problems
before they become hazardous.
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Using proper fuel, operate according to manufacturer's
direction.
THINGS
TO WATCH FOR:
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Stuffy, stale, smelly air; exhaust fume smell; unfamiliar or
burning odor
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Moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryer's exterior vent;
soot on appliances.
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A furnace that runs constantly but heats inadequately; loose
or missing furnace panels.
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Appliances that shut off, activating safety devices.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can mimic a common cold, a hangover, food
poisoning, depression or flu (without body ache or fever). If the family's (or
pet's) symptoms decrease when away from the house, seek medical treatment or get
a Carboxyhemoglobin level blood test for CO poisoning. CO poisoning is
especially toxic to infant and children; mother and unborn child during
pregnancy; the elderly; smokers; people with anemia, coronary, or respiratory
problems; and people with immune system diseases.
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Dizziness, ringing in the ears
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Persistent throbbing headaches
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Cherry red
skin
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Fainting, unconsciousness
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Sleepiness, never feeling rested
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Rapid heartbeat or
pulse
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Intoxicated appearance
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Confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control
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Blurred vision, burning eyes
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Tightness across the forehead
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Nausea and vomiting
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Shortness of breath, Chest pain
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Tightening of the chest
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Sudden Death
CO DETECTORS
CO detectors sound an alarm when unacceptable levels of
CO are in the air. Without testing instruments, CO is virtually impossible to
detect.
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Look for UL-approval, standard 2034 detectors
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Install detectors on every level of the home, in the vicinity
of heating units, and in RV's
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Be sure alarms can be heard from every sleeping area.
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Test the same way as smoke detectors. CO detectors are
NOT a substitute for smoke detectors.
IF THE
ALARM SOUNDS
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Leave immediately even if you do not feel symptoms. Follow
your home escape plan. Open doors and windows (on your way out).
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Meet at pre-arranged meeting place, away from the home.
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Call for help from another location.
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Never re-enter the home until help arrives and the danger
passes.
WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
For symptoms of CO poisoning call 9-1-1, your local fire
department, or the local gas company's emergency number. Seek medical
attention. If alarm sounds and there are no symptoms, call a qualified
appliance technician. If a CO leak is suspected or you smell gas, call the
local gas company immediately. Professional can identify and eliminate the CO
problem.
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