What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is an illness that occurs when inhaling too much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that is harmful to humans. CO can build up quickly and becomes dangerous at higher levels.

An increase in CO levels leads to ingesting it into your bloodstream. Eventually, it builds up in your body and takes the place of oxygen. CO in the bloodstream can lead to tissue damage or potentially death.

Carbon monoxide leaks come from many different fuel burning appliances. Some of these sources include:

• Cars
• Portable Generators
• Gas Stoves
• Charcoal Grills
• Water Heaters
• Camp Stoves
• Gas appliances

While these sources produce carbon monoxide, they typically do not cause problems. However, sometimes appliances can produce unhealthy amounts of CO in your home.

There are several ways CO can enter your home. One way that carbon monoxide can enter your home is if a car, truck or other engine is running in your garage unattended. Over time, carbon monoxide can build up in an attached garage and enter the house. Sitting in the garage with your car on is also a dangerous way for CO to enter your home.

Another way that CO can enter your home is if your fuel burning appliances are not properly installed. Using improperly installed appliances can lead to high levels of CO building up in your home.

During winter months, Carbon monoxide can enter homes when doors and windows are closed. When chimneys are used, they can become blocked and disperse CO fumes into different areas of the house. Also, in homes with insulation, carbon monoxide can get trapped inside the homes.

The most common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• Loss of Consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Upset stomach
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, immediately leave the area for fresh air and call 911 for help. The longer you continue to breathe in the toxic gas, the more likely you are to pass out or die.

Unfortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning can also lead to lifetime consequences. For example, you can have breathing issues, memory loss or even have heart abnormalities. More serious conditions include Parkinson’s Disease and even miscarriages for pregnant women.

Most healthcare professionals will diagnose CO poisoning through a blood test. They will test if the blood has high levels of CO in it. They will also check your heart rate and oxygen levels.

If you do have CO poisoning, you will need to inhale pure oxygen through an oxygen mask. This is the quickest way for the oxygen to pass through your body and bloodstream. By adding pure oxygen to your system, the carbon monoxide buildup decreases.

While the oxygen will help your body, it may take an entire day to remove all the CO from your body. However, the lingering effects of CO poisoning can take up to two weeks to go away.

Check your products

Finding ways to prevent an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning is very important for your wellbeing. To start, check your gas powered and fuel burning appliances in your home. If they need changing, make sure to change them.

Proper installation

Another important thing to do is ensure the appliances vent outside and are installed correctly. By venting outside, it prevents CO from entering your home. Ensuring the appliances are installed correctly is also important in preventing potential CO leaks.

CO detectors

One last thing you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your space. Carbon monoxide detectors sense high levels of carbon monoxide. Once detected, they alert you before the levels become deadly.

Before installing these detectors, make sure they are code and safety compliant. Then, install the detectors in optimal places, like a hallway near bedrooms.

Once you have the detector, make sure to test the device twice a year to ensure it is working properly. After about 5 years, change out the detector for a new one. You should change the batteries regularly or at least every 6 months.

Browse Rely Safety's CO Alarms today at HomElectrical!

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is the continuous buildup of carbon monoxide in your body. This can cause very serious injury and lasting impacts on others. To prevent this from happening, purchase carbon monoxide detectors and check your current products.