Carbon Monoxide (CO) "The Silent Killer"
If you have gas appliances, testing for excessive CO levels is one of the first test that we do when arriving at a house. If there is a CO problem we want to know about it as soon as possible so that it can be corrected. Before we recommend sealing leaks to "tighten up" a house we need to know that we won't be causing a CO problem by not having enough ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is produced from malfunctioning fossil fuel (gas, oil, wood, etc.) combustion appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves or gas heaters. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can result in mental confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death. Carbon monoxide produced from appliances is difficult to diagnose, because it is colorless and odorless. The only way to determine if an appliance is producing CO is to have the system tested by a qualified technician.
Symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, fatigue, nausea, irregular breathing and dizziness. If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside into fresh air immediately, and then call the fire department. If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, it is important to contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
If you have fossil fuel burning appliances, it is recommended that you install CO detectors in your home, and periodically have your furnace tested. Electric appliances are not combustion appliances and do not produce Carbon Monoxide.
Breathing in low levels of CO can hurt your brain, heart, and other parts of your body. At high levels the brain is so short of oxygen that you cannot think clearly. You lose control of your muscles and may be unable to move to safety. High-level CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, coma, and death. People often confuse CO poisoning with the flu, because it can feel like the flu.
Signs of low-level CO poisoning may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Sleepiness
- Tightness in chest
- Trouble breathing
- Changes in senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste
If you have combustion appliances, it is extremely important that you have a carbon monoxide alarm. This alarm sounds when your home has dangerous levels of CO. Use carbon monoxide alarms near each sleeping area and on each floor of your home. Carbon monoxide alarms help protect you and your family from sickness or death. A good alarm will make a loud noise when CO levels become too high. There are plug-in and battery operated alarms. If you have a plug-in alarm, make certain it has a battery backup. You want one that will record peak levels of CO as well as dangerous/lethal levels. CO alarms should not be installed directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances.
If someone in your family shows signs of CO poisoning or if a CO alarm goes off:
- Get outside right away
- Call 911 or your local emergency number from a phone outside your home.
- Have your home checked out by a qualified heating or appliance contractor.
- Don’t go back into the home until all problems are fixed.
- See a doctor or a nurse right away if you have signs of CO poisoning.