Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
BINGHAMTON, NY - Fuel-burning appliances are so much a part of our everyday lives that it is easy to forget that they invite a silent killer into our home - carbon monoxide.
"Carbon monoxide is gas which is produced whenever any fuel, such as oil, gasoline, kerosene, wood or charcoal, is burned. You can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, but at very high levels it can kill a person in minutes," said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director, of the Broome County Health Department.
"When appliances that burn fuel are properly installed, used and maintained, the amount of carbon monoxide produced is usually very low. However, people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances," she said.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include a leaking or clogged chimney pipe or flue, malfunctioning furnace, cracked heat exchanger, corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe, poorly vented fireplace, un-vented clothes dryer, or improperly installed kitchen range or portable heater. Outside the home, an idling motor vehicle in an enclosed area is the most dangerous source of carbon monoxide. Using a barbecue grill in an enclosed area is another danger.
Infants, the elderly, people with anemia or heart or lung disease, and even unborn babies can be especially susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it binds to hemoglobin, the substance in the blood that carries oxygen. As the level of carbon monoxide rises, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases.
The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like symptoms, such as dizziness, weariness and nausea. Symptoms get worse as the carbon monoxide concentration rises and may include loss of muscle control, sleepiness, reddening of the skin, confusion and unconsciousness.
"If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, leave the building, and get fresh air immediately. Go to a health care provider, and ask your power company or local fire department to check the carbon monoxide levels," said Ms. Edwards.
Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning or other common illnesses, you may not think that carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause. Ask yourself if you are being exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Did your headaches start when you started using the furnace? Or, when you closed all the windows in the fall? Do you wake up with a headache and nausea every morning, but go to work and feel better?
To protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Have all 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 vents and pipes are properly connected, and that flues and chimneys are in good condition and not blocked.
- Read and follow all instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device.
- Don't idle a vehicle in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Don't sleep in any room with an un-vented gas or kerosene space heater.
- Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, call the Broome County Health Department, Environmental Health Services at 607.778.2887.
CONTACT:
Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us
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