Carbon Monoxide: Silent Killer

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

At high levels, carbon monoxide can kill people in minutes.

You can’t see it, smell it or feel it but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Often referred to as CO or the Silent Killer, it is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

It has no smell and you can’t see it, so how would you know when you come in contact with Carbon Monoxide?

SYMPTOMS:

• Dull Headache 
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion
• Blurred Vision
• Loss of Consciousness

According to the CDC, it is estimated that more than 400 Americans die a year due to unintentional CO poisoning.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO.

Ways prevent CO poisoning in your home:

• Have your heating system serviced annually
• Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home
• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors
• Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else
• When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home

How can I avoid CO poisoning from my car or truck?

• Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your car or truck every year
• Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the garage door open 

SERVPRO of East Greenville County is dedicated to helping you keep your home safe. For more information about Carbon Monoxide go to cdc.gov.