Fact Sheet: Things You Need to Know About

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Introduction – What is CO?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless and invisible gas that is known as

the silent killer. Because you can’t smell, taste or see, it can kill you even before

you know it is there. If the early signs of carbon monoxide exposure are ignored,

anyone who comes in contact may lose consciousness and be unable to escape

the harms and the danger of the gas. CO exposure is among the leading causes of

death worldwide; however, with knowledge and precautions, we can prevent

such events.

This hazardous gas is present in outdoor and indoor air, which makes it difficult

for the people to avoid it completely. The normal background level of CO in a

home may vary depending on the types of heating oils used and the presence of

cigarette smoke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the

level of CO should be below an average of 25 ppm for any one-hour period.

Major Sources of CO

Appliances

Misused or malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances including water heater, non-

electric range used for heat, non-electric space heater, a gas or briquette grill

used indoors etc. are a common cause of CO poisoning at home. Apart from that,

any appliance or heat source that produces CO and is vented properly can also

increase the level of CO at home.

Generators

A portable generator is useful when there is no power. Due to the fuels used, it

releases levels of CO that are higher than an idling car. If you want you use a

portable generator to generate power in the absence of electricity, avoid putting

it in the home or basement if the windows are not open.

Equipment and Tools

Any fuel-powered equipment or tool including snow blowers, lawn mowers, chain

saws and pressure washers emit CO. Always operate these devices in an open

space.

Vehicles

Any running automobile releases CO. The best way to prevent the increase in the

levels of CO indoors is to NOT idle a vehicle in a garage or any other surface that is

enclosed. Apart from the previously mentioned, a blocked pipe on running vehicle

can also increase the levels of CO. To avoid that, make sure that the pipe of your

vehicle is not exhaust.

Can CO Poison My Body?

The increase in the CO levels can prevent your body from getting the oxygen it

requires. When you breathe CO, it attaches to hemoglobin (the molecules that

often carry oxygen in the blood). The higher the level of CO, the lesser the oxygen,

which may result in the symptoms associated with CO poisoning.

The Symptoms Another major reason of increase in the death by CO is that the symptoms of CO

poisoning can easily be mistaken for flu symptoms initially. Here are a few clues

that will help you identify the symptoms –

- The condition worsens shortly after turning on a fuel-burning device

- More than one member of the family becomes sick

- Symptoms go away soon after leaving the area

Action you require to take

No matter how clichéd does it sound but prevention is definitely better than cure!

Here is what you need to do -

- If you suspect that, you or someone else has CO poisoning, seek fresh air

immediately and call for help.

- You must also schedule an annual maintenance on home heating services,

appliances, generator and every other cause of CO.

- BE ALARMED! Protect and prevent your home by installing a CO alarm.

These alarms are designed to alert the homeowner as soon as the levels of

CO increase.

By taking required precautions and installing a carbon monoxide detector at

home, you can ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

References

http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/

http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

http://sett.com/healthandfitnessinfo/the-carbon-monoxide-effects-on-your-body