Carbon Monoxide often referred to as CO, which is its chemical symbol. Unlike many gases, CO has no odor, color, or taste, and it doesn't irritate your skin.
It is probably the worst substance you'll come into contact with in your daily life. In your home, at work, garage, car, caravan & boat - Please read a little of the information detailed below to protect yourself, your family and pets.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within a matter of minutes and is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison can hurt you slowly in low levels, cause permanent neurological dysfunctions in moderate levels or take lives in higher levels.
CO is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are used improperly or are not functioning adequately.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat that people need to get informed about. By educating ourselves on the dangers of CO we can significantly reduce the health risk as well as save lives. Although everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others. The following are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Foetuses
- Infants
- Elderly People
- Those who suffer from anaemia, respiratory or heart disease
Precautionary Measures
Routinely at the beginning of every heating season home owners should have their fuel burning appliances checked by a qualified technician. Appliances deteriorate with time and can be a health risk to those who live in the home.Besides having your appliances inspected, those using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to provide added peace of mind. Appliances can break down any time of year so it is important to have a back-up system in place to keep you informed when CO levels increase. A CO detector should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection.
Health Risks
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with other illness symptoms and can often go undetected. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long term health problems if not treated promptly. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches and light-headedness should be checked by a physician especially when more than one person in the home is showing symptoms.Checklist for the Prevention of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Q: Should I use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors?No. Using a grill indoors will cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fireplace
Should I burn charcoal indoors?
No. Burning charcoal--red, gray, black, or white-- gives off CO.
Should I use a portable gas camp stove indoors?
No. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
Is it okay to run my car or truck in the garage with the garage door shut?
No. CO can build up quickly while your car or truck is running an a closed garage. Never run your car in a garage unless the outside door is open to let in fresh air.
Do I need to leave the door closed between my attached garage and my house when I run my car or truck in the garage?
Yes. CO can easily go from your garage through the door that opens into your house, even if your garage door is open to let in fresh air. Keep the door connecting your garage to your house closed when your car or truck is running in your garage.
Should I use my gas range or oven for heating?
No. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper.
Is it normal for the cooling unit of my gas refrigerator give off an odor?
No. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator's cooling unit you should have an expert service it.
Carbon Monoxide often referred to as CO, which is its chemical symbol. Unlike many gases, CO has no odor, color, or taste, and it doesn't irritate your skin.
It is probably the worst substance you'll come into contact with in your daily life. In your home, at work, garage, car, caravan & boat - Please read a little of the information detailed below to protect yourself, your family and pets.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within a matter of minutes and is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison can hurt you slowly in low levels, cause permanent neurological dysfunctions in moderate levels or take lives in higher levels.
CO is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are used improperly or are not functioning adequately.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat that people need to get informed about. By educating ourselves on the dangers of CO we can significantly reduce the health risk as well as save lives. Although everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others. The following are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Foetuses
- Infants
- Elderly People
- Those who suffer from anaemia, respiratory or heart disease
Precautionary Measures
Routinely at the beginning of every heating season home owners should have their fuel burning appliances checked by a qualified technician. Appliances deteriorate with time and can be a health risk to those who live in the home.Besides having your appliances inspected, those using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to provide added peace of mind. Appliances can break down any time of year so it is important to have a back-up system in place to keep you informed when CO levels increase. A CO detector should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection.
Health Risks
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with other illness symptoms and can often go undetected. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long term health problems if not treated promptly. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches and light-headedness should be checked by a physician especially when more than one person in the home is showing symptoms.Checklist for the Prevention of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Q: Should I use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors?No. Using a grill indoors will cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fireplace
Should I burn charcoal indoors?
No. Burning charcoal--red, gray, black, or white-- gives off CO.
Should I use a portable gas camp stove indoors?
No. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
Is it okay to run my car or truck in the garage with the garage door shut?
No. CO can build up quickly while your car or truck is running an a closed garage. Never run your car in a garage unless the outside door is open to let in fresh air.
Do I need to leave the door closed between my attached garage and my house when I run my car or truck in the garage?
Yes. CO can easily go from your garage through the door that opens into your house, even if your garage door is open to let in fresh air. Keep the door connecting your garage to your house closed when your car or truck is running in your garage.
Should I use my gas range or oven for heating?
No. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper.
Is it normal for the cooling unit of my gas refrigerator give off an odor?
No. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator's cooling unit you should have an expert service it.
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