Carbon Monoxide Gas,
A Silent Killer
40 | November 2019 | Real Hero Report
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the furnace or pullout a space heater to warm their home,
bring warmth and comfort, they also can pose a threat of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, invisible gas that can cause sudden illness and, in some
cases, even death. According to the National Fire Protection
Agency (NFPA), this toxic gas is formed when fossil fuels such
as gasoline, wood, coal, kerosene, propane, oil and methane burn
incompletely.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
United States from carbon monoxide poison. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that annually,
several thousand people are admitted to hospital emergency
rooms for treatment due to exposure to carbon monoxide gas.
How Carbon Monoxide is Produced
An understanding of the body’s respiratory process can help
explain why inhaling this invisible, poisonous gas can be
fatal. The body is comprised of red blood cells composed of a
substance known as hemoglobin. The hemoglobin functions as an
oxygen carrier or transportation system. When carbon monoxide
is inhaled, a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin
(COHb) is formed, which depletes the amount of oxygen carried
in hemoglobin. According to the CDC, the bond between
hemoglobin and carbon monoxide is 300 times greater than that
of oxygen. Therefore, the longer a person is exposed to carbon
monoxide, the greater the depletion of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Major Sources of CO
Exposure to CO can come from various sources. Vehicles running
in an attached garage can produce dangerous levels of the gas.
Generators, which should never be used in the home, are a major
source of carbon monoxide. The CPSC indicates that CO can be
emitted from malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, such as
water heaters, furnaces, room/space heaters, ranges, generators,
enclosed areas.
Signs and Symptoms
mimic other illnesses. However, if CO poisoning is suspected,
the victim needs to be immediately moved to fresh air and 9-1-1
needs to be called. Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include:
Preventing CO Poisoning
According to the NFPA, the best defense against CO poisoning is
the safe use and maintenance of household cooking and heating
equipment; as well as the safe use of vehicles and equipment–
particularly in attached garages. Having a CO alarm installed in
your home also is highly recommended to warn occupants when
the poisonous gas is present. The CPSC recommends placing CO
alarms in the hallway outside bedrooms in each separate sleeping
area of the home. Alarms also should be placed near hot water
heaters and furnaces. For houses with an attached garage, a CO
alarm should be mounted within a short distance of the garage.
For best locations for installation in the home, visit the CPSC
website at www.cpsc.gov.
Sounding of a CO Alarm
If the CO alarm sounds, never ignore it!
accounted for.
given you permission. You could lose consciousness or die by
re-entering the area.
appliance, DO NOT operate the appliance until it has been
properly serviced by a trained service provider
Remember, to check and change your batteries when Day Light
Saving Time begins each spring, and when it ends in the fall. For
more information on Carbon Monoxide Safety, visit https://www.
sheets/COsafety.pdf.
/www.cpsc.gov
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