Carbon Monoxide & Protecting Your Family

Although we cannot see or smell Carbon monoxide (CO), but traces exist in our atmosphere. CO is usually not hazardous when properly maintained and used by fuel-burning appliances.

However, dangerous levels of CO can be produced if appliances do not function properly or are misused, leading to various symptoms like headaches and nausea. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill in many severe cases. Thousands of people are poisoned by carbon monoxide yearly, and hundreds die.

This gas should not be present in your home's air, as it can become dangerously concentrated under certain circumstances.

This article defines Carbon Monoxide and discusses how to protect your home.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless and color-free gas that can result in sickness as well as death. CO is produced when gasoline, natural gas, propylene, and wood are fired. Natural gas air conditioning systems also release carbon monoxide through the flue pipe, the metal or PVC pipe that leads to your roof.

It can accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and pose a severe threat. CO poisoning happens when an individual inhales an excessive amount of carbon monoxide.

CO poisoning results in headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and confusion in understanding. It can also cause loss of consciousness, brain trauma, and even fatality in the most serious forms.

If you suspect you or a household member suffers from CO poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. The only way to ensure you have been exposed to CO is to have your blood tested.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Safety precautions are the most successful means of avoiding the dangers of carbon monoxide: 

• Make sure that all of your home's fuel-burning gadgets are correctly installed and well maintained. (Furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces are all included)
• A certified technician should inspect all fuel-burning appliances once a year.
  
• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are properly vented to the outside and that chimneys are clear of debris.
  
• When using fuel-burning appliances, keep windows and doors open, and use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
  
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors in your home and check them regularly.
  
• Never use a gas stove for heating your home.
  
• Never run a gasoline-powered engine, vehicle or generator indoors or near an open window.

Useful Tips for detecting carbon monoxide gas: 

The most effective and helpful way to spot the presence of CO is by installing a detector for carbon monoxide. These technologies are made to alert you if threatening CO levels are sensed in your place of employment or home.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near sleeping areas, bedrooms, and fuel-burning gadgets such as furnaces and water heaters. Remember to regularly test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries when needed.

If your detector goes off, immediately evacuate your home and call the fire department. In addition, it’s wise to invest in a CO detector with an alarm that is audible from outside the house, as this will alert you if levels of CO become dangerously high while you are away.

If you have a furnace in your home, you should have a combustion analysis performed every time it needs maintenance or repair. Combustion analysis is a comprehensive examination of the furnace's effectiveness that can help identify potential safety issues.

This analysis can assist in ensuring that the heat exchanger is safe and suitable for your home.

Wrapping Up

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a harmful gas results in health problems. Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are correctly installed and maintained and your home has adequate ventilation.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and have them serviced regularly. Consider having a combustion analysis performed on your furnace to ensure it is safe and operational.

Remember – if you experience any signs of CO poisoning, move outside and call emergency services immediately. Staying alert to carbon monoxide challenges can assist you in safeguarding yourself and your family.

So stay safe, and keep safe!