Frequently Ask Question about Carbon Monoxide
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide or CO is a deadly, tasteless, colourless, odourless, poisonous gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is quite toxic to humans and animals although it is also produced in low quantities in normal animal metabolism. It consists of a union between a single carbon atom and an oxygen atom.
How Is It Produced?
CO is produced during the incomplete combustion of various mostly fossil fuels such as coal, charcoal, wood, propane, kerosene, natural gas and oil. All equipment and products that are powered by way of an internal combustion engine such as a generator, power washer and lawn mower also emit carbon monoxide. It is also produced by furnaces, fireplaces and cars.
How Does It Act In The Body?
Carbon monoxide derives its notoriety from its fatal attraction to haemoglobin which is a substance found in the blood. Haemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen around the body and what CO does is to occupy that space ordinarily reserved for oxygen. This result in the oxygen starvation of your body and the vital organs that rely on it heavily are the first to cease especially the brain.
What Are The Statistics Associated With CO Poisoning? There are at least 170 people that succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning occasioned by non-automotive consumer products every year. Products that fall into this category include furnaces, water heaters, ranges and room heaters. Engine powered equipment such as portable generators, charcoal burning and fireplaces also contribute to this number. There is also a large number that fall victim to non-consumer products especially cars left running in garages that reattached to the main house. An even greater number visit the emergency rooms every year with various degrees of poisoning.
What Are The Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are a major contributory factor to the large number of casualties and emergency room visits every year. This is because they are so difficult to differentiate from a common cold. The symptoms differ for mild cases of exposure and cases of elevated exposure. For moderate exposure, you will experience:
Nausea Shortness of breath Headache Dizziness Fatigue
Elevated levels of exposure result in:
Mental confusion Loss of muscular coordination Vomiting Loss of consciousness Death
The level of exposure and the duration have a direct relationship with the gravity of the symptoms that take root. Residential exposure cases are often misdiagnosed due to the ambiguity of the symptoms whereas rapid exposure victims deteriorate rapidly and usually suffer a quick death. Whole families continue to perish in their sleep.
How Can CO Poisoning Be Prevented?
Ensure that all you’re appliances are installed by professionals to ensure compliance with manufacturer instructions and building codes. Several fixtures around the house need to be inspected on an annual basis especially before the onset of winter. This is true for the heating system, chimneys and flues. Loose connections, partial and complete disconnections, blockages and corrosion can all spell disaster. The operation of fuel burning apparatus in or near closed spaces should be totally avoided. Some accidents occur because the generator, car or space heater was operated in or too close to the home or other enclosed living spaces.
The most effective way of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is to install carbon monoxide detectors in th4e home and workplace. You can also get a portable CO detector to carry around in your vehicle. For this option to work there must be proper installation and maintenance of the detector to ensure that it remains working and with adequate power. You can get good quality certified detectors online from websites that deal with all issues concerning carbon monoxide. You must also raise awareness of the safety precautions and poisoning symptoms around the home.