The silent killer: Carbon monoxide poisoning

January 8, 9:42 PMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

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CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning can be a hidden danger in your home, office or idling car. This silent killer has no taste, color or odor, but at high levels it can turn deadly in minutes. According to industry sources, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products.

These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas. What many do not realize is that according to research over 2 million gas appliances in homes, rental properties and businesses could be faulty.

Know the Symptoms 

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked
• DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions
•  DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning
• DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home
• DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time
• DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace
• DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater
• DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces
• DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing

CO alarms are available in most home convenience stores. They are a wise investment and always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached.