Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It can kill you before you even know its in your home...
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, gas which can cause sudden illness or death. CO can not be seen, smelled, or heard. Carbon monoxide can harm you because when it is breathed, it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Also, carbon monoxide attaches to the hemoglobin molecules that normally carry oxygen. Oxygen can't travel on a hemoglobin molecule that already has CO attached to it. As more and more hemoglobin molecules get hijacked, the blood eventually loses ability to carry oxygen to meet your bodies needs.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CO detectors alarm when they detect carbon monoxide in the air. This can help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and help people get fresh air in time.
Where does it come from?
Carbon monoxide can come from any devices that burn fuels, such as; cars, gas ovens, and fire places.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, passing out.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- DO have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
- DO install a battery operated or back up battery on CO detector
- DO seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning, and are feeling dizzy, light headed, or nauseous
- DON'T use a generator, charcoal grill, or camp stove inside your home or near a window
- DON'T run a car inside your house even if you leave the door open
- DON'T burn anything in a stove or fire place that isn't vented
- DON'T heat your house with a gas oven
How to help someone poisoned by CO
Move them immediately to fresh air, call 911 to get medical help, administer 100% oxygen using a tight fitting mask, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the victim has stopped breathing.
Who does it harm?
Infants
Infants are at higher risk of getting poisoned from CO.
Elderly
Elderly are at higher risk of getting poisoned from CO.
People with breathing problems
People with breathing problems such as asthma are at a higher risk of getting poisoned from CO.
But... Not just infants, elderly, and people with breathing problems are at risk...
EVERYONE IS AT RISK!
Not only is it harming people... its harming the environment!
Carbon Monoxide is a common lethal gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood, and coal. Fossil fuels are bad for the environment and is the cause of many environmental problems, this shows me that carbon monoxide can be the cause of many environmental problems such as global warming.