Because it has no taste, has no smell and is invisible, it is impossible for people to know if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in the air. That said, all urban areas suffer from some carbon monoxide pollution, and it has even caused fatalities in the home. Nearly 200 people die in the US every year from carbon monoxide produced by household products.
Carbon monoxide does occur naturally in the atmosphere but almost all of urban pollution is a result of cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of certain fuels. In people's houses, carbon monoxide poisoning is normally caused by poorly maintained heating equipment, cooking appliances and boilers.
Carbon monoxide gas is often used in industry in the production of chemicals and also in the meat industry and the production of medicines. While carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere are a problem in cities, it is at home where the biggest hazards lie. And while deaths are rare, over-exposure to carbon monoxide can result in major health complications.
Some of the early warning signs of poisoning include headaches, fatigue and nausea, and can often be mistaken for flu. In more serious cases these warning signs can develop to dizziness, convulsions, respiratory problems and even death.
Because of this, it is vital to know when there is too much carbon monoxide in your home and it could be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, sometimes known as a CO detector. They are most often placed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as furnaces. If carbon monoxide levels are too high an alarm rings, allowing occupants to the chance to leave the building and ventilate it completely until it is okay to re-enter.
Carbon monoxide sensors look like and function like smoke alarms and can be bought for about the 30-50 dollar mark
When your carbon monoxide sensor goes off, you should immediately ensure that nobody in the home is experiencing any of the warning signs of poisoning. If so, get them out of the house as soon as possible and contact a health professional.
Equally important however is a good knowledge of the hazards surrounding carbon monoxide. With some basic precautions you can safeguard your loved ones and your home:
* Check that all fuel-burning equipment such as heaters and boilers are serviced and cleaned annually. Your chimneys and vents need to be cleaned too. If any of the equipment is not functioning properly it needs to be repaired or replaced.
* Be extra careful when using kerosene or gas space heaters in the home. They should never be used in a room without proper ventilation.
* Never use a gas oven to heat your house and never use gas-powered equipment, like generators, indoors.
* Never leave your car running in a closed garage.
Carbon monoxide does occur naturally in the atmosphere but almost all of urban pollution is a result of cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of certain fuels. In people's houses, carbon monoxide poisoning is normally caused by poorly maintained heating equipment, cooking appliances and boilers.
Carbon monoxide gas is often used in industry in the production of chemicals and also in the meat industry and the production of medicines. While carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere are a problem in cities, it is at home where the biggest hazards lie. And while deaths are rare, over-exposure to carbon monoxide can result in major health complications.
Some of the early warning signs of poisoning include headaches, fatigue and nausea, and can often be mistaken for flu. In more serious cases these warning signs can develop to dizziness, convulsions, respiratory problems and even death.
Because of this, it is vital to know when there is too much carbon monoxide in your home and it could be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, sometimes known as a CO detector. They are most often placed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as furnaces. If carbon monoxide levels are too high an alarm rings, allowing occupants to the chance to leave the building and ventilate it completely until it is okay to re-enter.
Carbon monoxide sensors look like and function like smoke alarms and can be bought for about the 30-50 dollar mark
When your carbon monoxide sensor goes off, you should immediately ensure that nobody in the home is experiencing any of the warning signs of poisoning. If so, get them out of the house as soon as possible and contact a health professional.
Equally important however is a good knowledge of the hazards surrounding carbon monoxide. With some basic precautions you can safeguard your loved ones and your home:
* Check that all fuel-burning equipment such as heaters and boilers are serviced and cleaned annually. Your chimneys and vents need to be cleaned too. If any of the equipment is not functioning properly it needs to be repaired or replaced.
* Be extra careful when using kerosene or gas space heaters in the home. They should never be used in a room without proper ventilation.
* Never use a gas oven to heat your house and never use gas-powered equipment, like generators, indoors.
* Never leave your car running in a closed garage.
About the Author:
Xavier Toolhausens is a independent journalist with over 10 years writing experience. Xavier is consulting as a technical writer for our b2b site and is considered the company expert on carbon monoxide detectors. Take the time to visit our very useful website for more information on Carbon Monoxide Alarm and CO Detectors.
