Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced from the incomplete burning of fuels that contain carbon, such as wood, charcoal gas, coal, natural gas and kerosene. It is also a silent, deadly, but avoidable killer.
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 500 people a year, and sends another 20,000 people to the emergency room. One of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is some of its milder symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu. So the danger is you may not realize until it is too late that you have this deadly condition. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
People in Chicago’s North Shore are more at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter months due to the use of portable space heaters and improperly vented fireplaces. Other sources of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
Next month we will provide numerous ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, but we will leave you with this most important one. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 500 people a year, and sends another 20,000 people to the emergency room. One of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is some of its milder symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu. So the danger is you may not realize until it is too late that you have this deadly condition. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of coordination
- Chest pain
- Loss of hearing
- Blurry vision
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure
People in Chicago’s North Shore are more at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter months due to the use of portable space heaters and improperly vented fireplaces. Other sources of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Furnace systems and chimneys with leaks
- Wood-burning stoves
- Gas ranges and other appliances fueled by gas such as gas water heaters and driers
- Generators
- Gas grills
- Cigarette and pipe smoke
- Exhaust from cars, lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.
Next month we will provide numerous ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, but we will leave you with this most important one. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
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