The Invisible Killer
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, deadly gas. Because you can't see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide
can kill you before you know it's there. At lower levels of exposure, carbon
monoxide may cause numerous health problems. Symptoms of CO poisoning may be as
follows:
· Slight headache and dizziness
· Nausea
· Drowsiness and an euphoric feeling
· Confusion and irritability
· Unconsciousness
· Death
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide
poisoning. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to poisoning though, such as
unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung
problems.
Why is it so
dangerous?
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its
attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which normally carries life-giving
oxygen to cells and tissues. As even small amounts are breathed in, carbon
monoxide quickly bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen that
organs need to function. When CO is present in the air, it rapidly accumulates
in the blood, forming a toxic compound known as carboxy
hemoglobin (COHb).
Where does it come
from?
Carbon monoxide is a common by-product of
combustion, present whenever fossil fuels are burned. It is produced by
malfunctioning, unvented gas or oil home appliances such as furnaces, clothes
dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, charcoal
grills and wood burning stoves. Automobile exhaust also contains high levels of
carbon monoxide that can seep into a home if a car is left running in an
attached garage. All of these sources can contribute to a CO problem in the
home.
Usually, carbon monoxide is vented safely to
the outside. However, insulation meant to keep indoor air warm during the
winter or cool in the summer can help trap CO-polluted air in the home. Furnace
heat exchangers can crack; vents and chimneys may reverse direction causing a
downdraft, which traps combustion gases in the home.
How can I protect
my family?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC)
recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible
warning signal near the sleeping area. Choose an Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
(UL) listed alarm that sounds an audible warning. Look for the UL logo on the
package.
In addition to
installing carbon monoxide alarms as a first line of defense, residents should
have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces,
venting and chimney systems at least once a year or as recommended by the
manufacturer.
For further
information contact the Huntley Fire Protection District Fire Prevention Bureau at
847-669-8284.
Per
Illinois Law –
"Every dwelling unit shall be equipped
with at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition
within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes".