What Are The Risks Of Carbon Monoxide?



Posted: Friday, October 02, 2009

by Tal Potishman
Heating Central

The dangers of carbon monoxide should be taken seriously by the general public. If it is inhaled, its affects can be so catastrophic that it can even lead to death. You can be at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning anywhere, whether that be at home or at work. Its particular qualities make it more dangerous and harder to detect, as it is odourless and invisible. It takes one faulty appliance for all hell to break loose. Once it has been breathed in, it replaces the oxygen in the blood, killing off cells and starving vital organs of oxygen.

Many reports have indicated that some 20 million households in the UK are not protecting themselves by taking necessary precautions to detect the gas. Some of the early symptoms to look out for are feelings of nausea, dizziness, headaches, and forgetfulness. The general nature of these symptoms suggest that they can be easily missed or misinterpreted. This is even more so when the person affected moves out of their environment and their symptoms clear.

What precautions can you take?

You can be at risk from carbon monoxide both at home and at work, and it is easy to get affected by these dangers through lack of vigilance and care. There are many things that can be done to reduce the risk of exposure. Once people start to recognise ways in which to prevent carbon monoxide exposure, they will be in a better position to deal with any danger that presents itself.

If you are about to go on vacation. it is a good idea to call up and check if there are any gas appliances where you are staying. It is better to be safe rather than regret it later. Remember, if you find out that there is a gas heater at your location, you always have the option to be asked to move somewhere else. If you wish to be extra precautious, it is good to take a carbon monoxide detector.

What to do in an emergency

It is essential to know what to do and who to call in an emergency as you are dealing with a deadly gas. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, you must stop using the appliance you suspect is causing the leak. The appliance should be checked over by a qualified and registered engineer before it can be used again.

It is important to get plenty of ventilation into the area, so you should open all the windows and doors. If someone you know has been affected by the carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important that you remove them from the contaminated area straight away and take them into the open air. Oxygen should be supplied if there is some available. Make sure you call for medical help and ensure the person affected rests.  

Once the medical professional reaches the affected person, ensure that you immediately inform them of your suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is essential as the person affected will need to get the appropriate treatment. Also, do not make the mistake of smoking near the contaminated area, or doing anything else to create a spark such as turning the light switch on and off.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about efficient heating, boiler,  Hull plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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