by Tara Knudson

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2011

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, potentially lethal gas. It also happens to be invisible, odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Wherever fossil fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, oil, and methane are burned, carbon monoxide can also be present. It is emitted when fuel is burned incompletely. In an enclosed environment where people are likely to be present the biggest culprits are gas-fueled space heaters, gas-fueled furnaces, charcoal grills, gas-fueled kitchen stoves, kerosene heaters, and wood stoves.

Essentially, the gas suffocates oxygen-breathing mammals by replacing the oxygen in the air. In mild poisoning symptoms are uncomfortable but don't cause long-term damage. In situations where there is a high concentration of carbon monoxide, or CO, or in cases where exposure is prolonged, poisoning can be fatal.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SYMPTOMS

The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are sleepiness, feeling like you have the flu, and sometimes unexplained giddiness. Difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, stomach pains, erratic behavior, and visual impairment are all clues that more serious carbon monoxide poisoning may be occurring.

The elderly, the very young, and the unborn are most susceptible to this type of gas poisoning. People who suffer from anemia, and respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses are also especially vulnerable, as are pets, and anyone who is participating in strenuous activity. Nighttime is the period of greatest risk because you may not realize you've got the telltale symptoms until its too late.

SIGNS OF CARBON MONOXIDE

If the normally blue flame of your gas stove or fireplace is burning yellow or orange, or if there is soot or yellow or brown staining on or around an appliance CO could be spilling. If pilot lights frequently blow out, or if you notice an increase in condensation inside windows near a heater or cooking appliance you could be at greater risk. If there are pets in the household, and they seem ill at the same time that the human inhabitants have symptoms, or if flu symptoms disappear when away from the house, and reappear upon reentry there's a good chance that carbon monoxide gas is building.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, or that poisoning has occurred get out of the building immediately and open doors and windows to get fresh air flowing. Make sure any appliance that uses fossil fuels is turned off, and then have the appropriate technician inspect it at once.

PREVENTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

As is often the case, prevention is the best remedy. Always make sure to have adequate fresh air vents near heating and cooking equipment, and keep appliances in good repair. Have heating systems inspected every year, especially before the winter season. Never run a vehicle, leaf blower, etc. inside a garage, even if you've opened the garage door. On camping trips try to use only battery powered lights when inside a tent or camper, and don't operate a barbecue in an enclosed space. A CO detector is also an excellent defense, especially in a place where people will sleep. There are several types of detectors on the market and it is worth doing a bit of research before making the right decision for your particular situation.

Whatever you do, don't put it off for tomorrow. A heater or range can malfunction at any time so do have regular inspections completed and go to the trouble of installing a detector. You never know when you're going to be really glad that you did.

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