The Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Are Dangerous to Ignore

It’s easy to turn a blind eye to dangers you can’t see. After all, we already have so much to do, and so much to worry about. But when it comes to carbon monoxide, what you don’t know can hurt you, and your family.

So first, here’s a few facts to put that in perspective:

• At least 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

• If CO is only present at home, you may feel fine while you’re out and about.

• The signs of CO poisoning make present like common flu symptoms.
  
• CO is color, tasteless, and odorless, making it undetectable without equipment.
  
• Someone who is sleeping or has been drinking alcohol can die of CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms.
  
• Having a smoke detector will not help protect you from CO poisoning.
  
• The very young and the very old are most sensitive to the effects of CO.

Scary, right? The more you know about CO, the better off you are. So here’s the basics everyone should know.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is found in both indoor and outdoor air.

It can be released by natural sources, as well as by burning ordinary fuels like gasoline, wood, propane, and charcoal.

Ways you can be exposed to carbon monoxide

• Breathing in gas from improperly installed/filtered stoves furnaces, heaters and generators
• Breathing air containing automobile exhaust
• Breathing air containing cigarette smoke
• Working in industries that burn gas and coal
• Smoke inhalation during a fire

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion

How do I know if I’ve been exposed to CO?

Carbon monoxide detectors can help to provide you one of the fastest ways to notice there is an issue with carbon monoxide in your home. It’s virtually undetectable without a CO alarm, which is why absolutely every household should have them. They are actually required by law in most states. 

But even if you do, if your system’s carbon monoxide detector goes off when you aren’t home, who is going to notify the fire department? You can really only rely on a 24/7 monitoring team to get you the help you need in a situation like that.  

Benefits of a monitored carbon monoxide detector

A monitored carbon monoxide detector not only gives you early warning of abnormally high amounts of carbon monoxide gas but also alerts the monitoring center who can notify emergency assistance. You can also get a text notification that the detector has gone off, so you’ll know whether you are at home or not.  This can be particularly important when you and your family are sleeping, or if you have pets.

How to prevent CO poisoning prevention

Detection of carbon monoxide is key but so is prevention. As we mentioned, CO is released when fuel is burned, whether it is from your car, furnace, gas stove, water heater, or power generators. The situation gets dangerous when a concentration of carbon monoxide is trapped in a contained area, like your bedroom or garage.

Here’s a few tips to help keep you safe:

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
  
• Fuel-burning appliances should be used in a well-ventilated area or have the fumes vented to the outdoors.
  
• Generators and any gas-powered equipment should be used outside, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents (never in an enclosed space).
  
• Don’t let your car or truck run inside an attached garage, even with the door open.
  
• Never attempt to heat your home, cabin, or camper using a gas range or oven.
  
• Never use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors, unless you’re using it inside a vented fireplace.
  
• Get medical help right away if you suspect CO poisoning or are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

Did you know Guardian Protection monitors carbon monoxide?

Guardian carbon monoxide detectors identify the presence of CO gas. If an unsafe level of CO is detected, the alarm sends a signal to our 24/7 monitoring center, who can jump into action. Our CO detectors are monitored around the lock, even when your security system is disarmed, and Guardian customers pay no extra cost for CO monitoring!

Learn more about how monitored carbon monoxide detectors for your home work:

To find out how Guardian Protection makes home safer and smarter, give us a call at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328).

Sources: www.cdc.gov; www.ncsl.org

The post The Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Are Dangerous to Ignore appeared first on Guardian Protection Website.

source https://guardianprotection.com/blog/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

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