Because it is tasteless, has no smell and is invisible, it is not possible for people to know if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in the air. However, all urban areas have some carbon monoxide pollution, and it has even been known to cause deaths in the home. Nearly 200 people die in the United States each year from carbon monoxide produced by consumer products.
Carbon monoxide does occur naturally in the atmosphere but almost all of urban pollution is comes from cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of some fuels. In the home, carbon monoxide poisoning is usually caused by faulty heating equipment, cooking appliances and furnaces.
Carbon monoxide gas is commonly utilized in industry for producing chemicals and also in the meat industry and the production of medicines. While carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere are a worry in urban areas, it is at home where the greatest dangers lie. And although deaths are rare, over-exposure to the gas can cause major health problems.
Initial symptoms of poisoning include headaches, tiredness and nausea, and can often be confused with flu. In more extreme episodes these warning signs can develop to dizziness, convulsions, breathing problems and even death.
For this reason, it is important to know when there is too much carbon monoxide in the home and it could be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, also called a CO detector. They are normally installed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as heaters. If carbon monoxide levels are excessive an alarm rings, allowing occupants to the opportunity to vacate the building and ventilate it fully until it is safe to re-enter.
CO detectors look like and function like smoke alarms and can be bought for about the 30-50 dollar mark
When your CO detector goes off, the first thing you should do is confirm that nobody in the house is experiencing symptoms. If so, get them out of the house as soon as possible and contact a health professional.
Just as important however is a good grounding in the hazards of carbon monoxide. With a number of simple precautions you can protect your family and your home:
* Check that all fuel-burning equipment like heaters and boilers are checked and cleaned before every winter. All chimneys and vents must be cleaned too. If anything isn't functioning properly it has to be repaired or replaced.
* Take care while utilizing kerosene or gas space heaters in the home. These must never be utilized in a room without proper ventilation.
* Do not use a gas oven to warm your home and never run gas-powered appliances, like generators, inside.
* Do not leave your car idling in a closed garage.