Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning material containing carbon. There are typically low levels of carbon monoxide in the air considering that many household appliances emit this gas on a regular basis. However, when an area is not properly ventilated, the amount of carbon monoxide builds up in the air. If too much is built up, this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, or even death.
According to researchers at emedicinehealth.com, carbon monoxide poisoning claims 500 lives annually, making it the leading cause of accidental death poisoning in the United States. At least 15,000 people are hospitalized due to this deadly poisoning as well. Because of the fact that carbon monoxide has no smell and clearly can't be seen, it claims its victims by slowly killing them without them even knowing. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, headaches and fatigue. Exposure of this poisonous gas for an extended period of time may also lead to brain damage as well and eventual death.
The tragedy in this is that although the death toll is not extremely high for this form of poisoning, the deaths caused can be easily prevented. Some easy steps to avoid this are:
- inspecting your home heating system, chimney, and flue must be inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year to ensure proper ventilation.
- Be sure your furnace and other appliances, such as gas ovens, ranges, and cook tops, are inspected for adequate ventilation.
- Do not burn charcoal inside your house (even in the fireplace). Have gas fireplaces inspected each fall to ensure the pilot light burns safely.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements.
- Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as water heaters, ranges, and clothes dryers
It is also very wise to invest in some sort of carbon monoxide detector for your home to monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. After all, taking a measure as small as this could save your life.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carbon_monoxide_poisoning/article_em.htm
According to researchers at emedicinehealth.com, carbon monoxide poisoning claims 500 lives annually, making it the leading cause of accidental death poisoning in the United States. At least 15,000 people are hospitalized due to this deadly poisoning as well. Because of the fact that carbon monoxide has no smell and clearly can't be seen, it claims its victims by slowly killing them without them even knowing. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, headaches and fatigue. Exposure of this poisonous gas for an extended period of time may also lead to brain damage as well and eventual death.
The tragedy in this is that although the death toll is not extremely high for this form of poisoning, the deaths caused can be easily prevented. Some easy steps to avoid this are:
- inspecting your home heating system, chimney, and flue must be inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year to ensure proper ventilation.
- Be sure your furnace and other appliances, such as gas ovens, ranges, and cook tops, are inspected for adequate ventilation.
- Do not burn charcoal inside your house (even in the fireplace). Have gas fireplaces inspected each fall to ensure the pilot light burns safely.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements.
- Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as water heaters, ranges, and clothes dryers
It is also very wise to invest in some sort of carbon monoxide detector for your home to monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. After all, taking a measure as small as this could save your life.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carbon_monoxide_poisoning/article_em.htm
1 comment:
500 lives doesnt' really seem like a whole lote, but when you think of the poison that is causing it, it puts things in better perpective. good to know,.
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