Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that claims over 430 lives a year. Action Air gives you the lowdown on how to keep you and your family safe from this dangerous threat
What is carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide comes when carbon fuel like wood, gasoline, coal, propane, natural gas, and heating oil fails to burn completely.
- These energy sources aren’t dangerous when you burn them in an open area with plenty of ventilation but are hazardous in confined spaces.
- It is dangerous because it can go undetected until it is too late.
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
- Carbon monoxide is odorless, therefore impossible to notice.
- It binds with your red blood cells and starves your body of oxygen.
- The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- These are similar to symptoms of a cold or flu, making it easy to ignore.
- Read more from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Prevention
- Never heat your home with a gas range.
- Don’t run your car in the garage with the door shut.
- Always have proper ventilation when running gas-powered tools such as:
- Generators
- Space heaters
- Pressure washers
- Especially in enclosed spaces like a basement or garage.
- Practice cooking safely while camping.
- Have gas heating systems checked annually for cracked heat exchangers.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors
- Detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide.
- You should have at least one detector for each level of your home.
- They should be placed near bedrooms.
What to do if the detector alarm goes off?
- Don’t panic.
- Gather everyone in your household and go outside.
- If possible, open as many windows and doors as you can before leaving.
- Call 911 and do not go back inside until emergency responders deem your home is safe to reenter.
If you want more information about carbon monoxide detectors, give us a call or contact us here.
Action Air has been providing heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. We have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and knowledgeable sales staff. When you need action, call Action Air (931) 647-8525.