Carbon Monoxide - Is This Deadly Killer Lurking in Your Home?

The danger from carbon monoxide comes from the fact that it is a flavorless and odorless gas which can cause death. It is known as the "silent killer" and causes the demise of around 500 people every year. Exposure to carbon monoxide on a consistent basis can result in dangerous health problems too. The consequence of carbon monoxide on the body is that organs cannot get the required oxygen because the body's capacity to move oxygen has malfunctioned. Since many people are simply unaware of the threat of carbon monoxide, they do not typically have alarms that monitor carbon monoxide levels. Many appliances produce or emit carbon dioxide, so it is important to watch these levels to make sure that the presence of the gas is under control.

Not everyone will react the same to carbon monoxide poisoning. A small dose of carbon monoxide should not cause a negative health reaction. A moderate amount of exposure can lead to vision loss, headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. High levels of carbon monoxide can culminate in problems with the central nervous system or cardiovascular system. Some individuals, including those that are in excellent health, can suffer loss of brain function from exposure to an excessive amount of carbon monoxide.

There are many precautions that you can take to make sure that you and your family stay guarded from this danger. Since homes typically have some levels of carbon monoxide, it is important to monitor the levels to insure they stay within the permissible range. A low level of 0.5 to 5 parts per million, or ppm, can be discovered in most homes. Levels near an object that emits carbon dioxide like a gas oven or a wood stove will be higher, in the range of 5 to 15 ppm. Carbon monoxide levels are considered high if they reach levels of 30 ppm or more. This is typically discovered near a stove or furnace that needs adjustment or is faulty in some way. Other sources of carbon monoxide include kerosene, gas heaters, chimneys, furnaces, fireplaces, generators and anything else that is gas powered, including automobiles.

If you use a space heater, make sure that it is vented. Use an exhaust fan with a gas stove to make sure you are venting the fumes emissions. If you own a woodstove, check to see that it is passes certification by the EPA regulations on carbon monoxide emissions. Make sure that your source of heat, whether it is a furnace, chimney, woodstove, or boiler, is cleaned and inspected annually. If a leak is discovered, get it repaired immediately. Do not waste time if a car is idling in a garage with the garage door down, carbon monoxide can rapidly increase to lethal levels under these circumstances. You can also purchase a carbon monoxide alarm that will alert homeowners when levels are excessive in your home. To stay safe, it is best to take preventive measures and to keep all leaks in repair.

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