The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. CO is breathed in through the lungs and bonds with the hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen which cells need to function. When CO is present in the air, it rapidly accumulates in the blood. It will eventually displace enough oxygen in the body to suffocate an individual from the inside out, resulting in brain damage or death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone, anytime
A common by-product of appliances that run on flammable fuel, carbon monoxide can be emitted by gas or oil furnaces, gas-powered refrigerators or gas clothes dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges and space heaters. A clogged chimney or running a vehicle in an attached garage can cause problems as well.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Experts have determined that vulnerability to CO poisoning increases for unborn babies, infants, senior citizens and people with coronary or respiratory problems.
CO poisoning is difficult to diagnose. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms are often similar to that of the flu Symptoms of low level CO poisoning can include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells and confusion. If other members of the household are feeling ill as well or if an individual feels better away from the home for a period of time, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A carboxyhemoglobin test will be performed to determine the percentage of CO present in the bloodstream.
Potential Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home
- Clogged Chimney
- Gas or wood-burning fireplace
- Blocked chimney opening
- Propane powered refrigerator
- Improperly installed kitchen range or cook top vent
- Corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe
- Cracked heat exchanger
- Leaking chimney pipe or flue
- Clothes dryer
- Auto exhaust fumes from attached garage
- Operating barbeque grill in enclosed area such as the garage
- Portable heater
Never ignore a CO detector that has alarmed. If the alarm sounds, check to see if anyone else in the household is experiencing the adverse effects of CO poisoning-headaches, dizziness, nausea or other flu-like symptoms. Evacuate the house immediately and call 911 or the fire department if anyone else has any symptoms. If no one else is experiencing any symptoms, ventilate the home, turn off all fuel-burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect and repair the problems.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a carbon monoxide detector should be placed near the sleeping area. For maximum protection, however, two carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended; one near the sleeping area, the other in the furnace room.
