What is carbon monoxide?
It's important for everyone to be knowledgeable about carbon monoxide, because it is a colorless, odorless gas that is difficult for people to detect without the help of special equipment. Continued exposure to carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous and can cause death. By following the carbon monoxide safety tips, people can protect themselves and have nothing to fear.
You can't hear, taste, see or smell it, but it may be sneaking up on you without your knowledge. Carbon monoxide, also known by its chemical formula, "CO," is a poisonous gas that is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.
Carbon monoxide isn't in natural gas. It can be produced if natural gas doesn't burn and vent properly. Carbon monoxide is also produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. This can happen if your gas appliance or fuel burning device isn't properly maintained or adjusted. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous.
Other CO sources include vehicle exhaust, blocked chimney flues, fuel-burning cooking appliances used improperly for heating purposes, and charcoal grills used in the home, tent, camper, garage or other unventilated area.
When malfunctioning appliances aren't adequately ventilated, the amount of CO in the air may rise to a level that can cause illness or even death. Between 500 and 700 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and thousands of others become ill or seek medical attention.
Individuals who are at greatest risk are unborn babies, infants, young children, senior citizens, or any individual with coronary or respiratory problems, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are similar to the flu. They include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness, ringing in the ears, nausea, violent coughing and irregular breathing.
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