Around The House

What is carbon monoxide (CO) and why do I need to understand it? The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that approximately 200 people per year are killed by accidental CO poisoning, with an additional 5000 people injured - more accidental poisonings than any other chemical substance. During winter, when our houses are closed up to keep warm and appliances such as heaters and furnaces are operating, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning increases dramatically. Known as the "Silent Killer", carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless toxic gas that is a by-product of combustion and is virtually impossible to detect. Any fuel-burning appliance or device can produce dangerous levels of this gas and must be maintained properly to avoid the build-up of this poison in your home.

What can cause carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Fuel-fired furnaces (check for cracked furnace exchange)
• Gas water heaters (check for corroded or disconnected water heater flue)
• Fireplaces and wood stoves (check for dirty or clogged chimneys)
• Gas stoves (check for proper installation)
• Gas dryers (use outside ventilation)
• Any gas or kerosene appliance such as portable heaters
• Charcoal grills (don't operate inside or in an enclosed area such as garage)
• Gas engines such as lawnmowers, blowers and other yard equipment
• Automobile exhaust (especially dangerous in an attached garage)
• Cigarette smoke
• Carbon monoxide levels can also build up quickly inside cars and trucks while driving or idling in heavy traffic.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Make sure your fuel-burning appliances - oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves - are installed and working according to manufacturers' instructions and local building codes.
• Have all of your fuel-burning appliances inspected and cleaned by a professional at the beginning of every heating season.
• Make certain that flues and chimneys are connected, unclogged and in good working condition.
• Have only a qualified technician install or convert fuel-burning equipment from one type to another.
• Never use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
• Never use a charcoal grill inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or camper - even in a fireplace.
• Never leave your car idling or a mower or blower running in a closed garage. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• Do not sleep in a parked car while the engine is on.
• Have your car's exhaust system inspected for leaks.
• Make sure your furnace has an adequate intake of outside air.
• Choose appliances that vent fumes to the outside whenever possible. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, follow the cautions that come with the device carefully.
• Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open when using gas or kerosene space heaters. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper burning of fuel. Never sleep in an enclosed space with gas or kerosene space heaters.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with an audible alarm in your home and garage.

Symptoms:

Early symptoms of carbon poisoning can mimic the flu or other illnesses. They include headache, fatigue or weakness, muscle pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhea, confusion, loss of memory; dizziness or fainting; chest pain, rapid heart beat and difficult or shallow breathing.

Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to unconsciousness and death. Breathing CO is especially dangerous for pregnant women, unborn babies, infants and people with anemia (low red blood cell count) or a history of heart disease.

DON'T IGNORE SYMPTOMS, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Play it safe. If you DO experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

• Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off fuel-burning appliances and leave the house.
• Go to an emergency room and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning.
• Be prepared to answer the following questions for the physician:
  • Do your symptoms occur only in the house?
  • Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
  • Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms?
  • Did everyone's symptoms appear about the same time?
  • Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
  • Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?

Carbon monoxide detectors:

Carbon monoxide detectors can be used to help alert you of the presence of CO, but should not be used as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. Follow these guidelines when considering a carbon monoxide detector for your home:

• Never purchase a CO detector that is not UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) approved or does not have a long-term warranty.
• Research features before buying.
• Make sure the detector you purchase is easily self-tested and reset to ensure proper functioning.
• Don't select a detector based solely on cost.
• Make sure you have enough detectors to cover your entire house.
• Carefully follow manufacturers' instructions for placement, use and maintenance.
• For maximum effectiveness during sleeping hours, place detectors as close to sleeping areas as possible.

If you have a CO detector and the alarm goes off:

• Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
• Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms of poisoning.
• If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. Tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning.
• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO: your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any vehicle or small engine.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly and that there is nothing blocking the fumes from being vented out of the house.

Each year in the United States, more than 700 people die of hypothermia (low body temperature) caused by extended exposure to cold temperatures both indoors and out. At least 220 Ohio residents lost their lives to hypothermia from 1989 to 2001. Most were male and about 70 percent of the victims were 50 or older.

Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, memory loss, slow pulse, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech. Long exposure when it’s wet, windy and 30 to 50 degrees can be just as hazardous as dry, calm subzero weather. Wet clothes quickly draw heat from the body.

Tips:

• Watch for the "umbles" – stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show change in motor coordination and levels of consciousness.
• Hypothermia can occur even inside a building. The thermostat should be set no lower than 65 to 70 degrees if the occupants are 75 or older. Infants younger than one year of age should never sleep in a cold room and should be provided with warm clothing and a blanket to prevent loss of body heat.
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems and arthritis are at higher risk of hypothermia than other people. Use of alcohol and certain medicines also increase the risk of accidental hypothermia. They include drugs used to treat anxiety, depression or nausea and some over-the-counter cold remedies.
• Do not participate in outdoor sports activities alone. Drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages to stay hydrated in cold, dry air.