Carbon Monoxide "The Silent Killer"

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning death each year with over 500 unintentional and 1700 suicide deaths in the U.S..Deaths from carbon monoxide have declined since 1975. 1 It is estimated that 10,000 people per year seek medical therapy.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas created when fuel burns. Carbon monoxide is made up of 1 carbon molecule and 1 oxygen (chemical symbol = CO), this means that it has almost the same weight as air and mixes with air easily.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

When ever there is not enough oxygen available when fuel is burned excessive carbon monoxide can be emitted. Heating oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline, wood and almost anything that burns can produce carbon monoxide. You may be exposed to carbon monoxide if :

• You leave your motor vehicle engine running
• Your home contains an incorrectly vented or malfunctioning water heater, furnace, space heater, fireplace or stove.
• You burn charcoal, alcohol or gasoline in an enclosed tent, camper or garage.
  

What is the concern?

Because carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that is quickly absorbed by the body and the symptoms often resemble other illness, it is known as the silent killer. It prevents the ability of you blood to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Organs that utilize a lot of oxygen such as the heart and brain are most at risk. Carbon monoxide has to only to be present in small amounts to cause an effect. The majority of people killed are overcome as they sleep. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide poisoning is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other common illnesses such as the flu and food poisoning.

Some of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion Nausea

In large exposure:

• Vomiting,
• disorientation
• loss of consciousness
• coma
• seizures
• respiratory failure
• cardiac arrest may occur

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, individuals with existing health problems such as heart and lung disease and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Infants, children and pregnant woman are also at high risk.

What precautions should you take?

Before winter sets in, there are several ways you can safe-guard your family against accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Have your heating system inspected by a qualified contractor before you turn your furnace on every fall.
• Check your chimney or flue for leaves, branches, bird' nests or other blockage that may have accumulated over the summer.
• Use non-electrical space heaters only in well-ventilated areas and keep in good condition
• Use gasoline or diesel-powered generators outdoors
• Never leave a car motor running in a closed garage
• Make sure vents on fuel-burning appliances are clear
• Avoid burning coal or charcoal in a closed space, even a garage with the door open.
• Install and test a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your home

What about carbon monoxide detectors?

Carbon monoxide detectors can help alert you to increased levels of carbon monoxide in your home, but they are NOT foolproof! The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector per house household, near the sleeping area. Homes with several sleeping areas will require multiple detectors. For added protection, locate additional detector at least 15 feet from the furnace. Look for a detector with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal, and which features an audible alarm. There are several types of alarms on the market.

What if my carbon monoxide detector goes off or I feel I may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning?

If your carbon monoxide detector sounds or if you feel symptoms that could be carbon monoxide poisoning, leave your house immediately to get fresh air! Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222

You can download the Carbon Monoxide Brochure (44K PDF file)