What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a very toxic gas that is also odorless, colorless and tasteless.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A victim may not experience ANY of the following symptoms, or only one or a few of these symptoms:
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Headaches
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Irritability
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Dizziness
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Weakness
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Visual Disturbances
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Fainting upon exertion
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Loss of muscle control
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Tightening of the chest
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Sleepiness
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Fluttering of the heart
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Confusion
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Cherry red skin (in severe cases)
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Prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage or death.
How is carbon monoxide poisoning detected?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often confused with those of influenza and the highest incidence of poisoning occurs at the onset of cold weather – or during flu season. For these reasons, the best way to detect it is with a blood test.
How can carbon monoxide be produced in a home?
High levels of carbon monoxide can be produced by:
- Malfunctioning heating systems
- Blocked chimneys or heating/water heating vent pipes
- Lack of adequate heating equipment ventilation
- Indoor use of barbecue grill.
- Use of cooking appliances for heating purposes
- Sitting inside a motionless vehicle for a prolonged period of time with the motor running.
- Repairing engines (or lawn mowers, snow blowers, vehicles, etc) without proper ventilation.
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