SECTION I:  carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas, difficult to detect because it is odorless and invisible and as a result CO is known as the “silent killer”.  The carbon monoxide is absorbed from the air into the blood stream preventing adequate oxygen from being delivered to the body. The most common damage is to the brain and heart.

Facts:

• Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from being available for use by the body.

• Carbon monoxide is released into the air with any combustion or fire.
• CO poisoning is the leading cause of death in fires.
• CO is also produced by fuel burring appliances, space heaters, wood burning stoves and with automobile combustion.
• CO levels can build up from these apparatus' or if there is a fume leak from the garage to the house.

Risk Factors for CO poisoning:

 - any combustion within the home

 - fuel burning heating equipment

wood stoves and fireplaces

kerosene heaters

oil and natural gas furnaces

 - chimney structural damage causing leakage of CO into the interior of the home

Symptoms of CO poisoning:

• early signs are headaches, dizziness, and nausea

• shortness of breath can occur
• late signs include lethargy which can progress to an unconscious state

Prevention & Treatment:

• CO alarms are available for home use if risk factors such as fuel burning appliances are present.

• Regular inspection and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances like wood stoves and also chimneys.
• If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home:

   - open windows and doors to ventilate the rooms, or in severe cases of CO exposure, evacuate the home

  - call to report that you suspect CO is accumulating. Usually the appropriate agency to call is the fire department or 9-1-1.

  - seek immediate medical treatment for anyone who has severe symptoms

  - follow the advice of the responding agency before re-entering your home, and quickly obtain repairs as needed.