It seems common sense to steer clear of obvious perilous situations, yet avoiding a danger that cannot be seen or detected by one’s other senses — a danger more prevalent during the cooped-up, buttoned-up days of winter — can be a little more difficult.
But not impossible.
Carbon monoxide often is called the silent killer because it is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas that causes about 400 deaths each year in the United States. It sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. From 2002 to 2006, 92 Minnesotans lost their lives to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane and oil burn incompletely. It is dangerous because it interferes with people’s normal oxygen intake.
Common sources of carbon monoxide in homes include fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, gas or kerosene space heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, wood stoves, lawn mowers, power generators, camp stoves, motor vehicles and some power tools with internal combustion engines.
While carbon monoxide is invisible, its dangers can be avoided, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, National Fire Protection Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Simple strategies include having your chimney, heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliance inspected by a trained professional every year.
Also, never use a gas range or oven for heating; never use a charcoal grill, barbecue grill or portable gas camp stove indoors; and do not idle a car inside a garage. All of these can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home.
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Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Initial symptoms, which are similar to the flu but without the fever, include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. These can progress to confusion, irritability and impaired judgment, memory and coordination. If early signs are ignored, a person might lose consciousness and be unable to escape to safety.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the home and call the fire department for help.
By: St. Cloud (Minn.) Times,
To detect potentially deadly conditions, install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Minnesota law requires all homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of all bedrooms. Test detectors at least once a month and replace batteries in the spring and fall.
This winter, take steps to protect yourself, your family and your home.