There
are many things that can enter our home and hurt us without warning, but
sometimes this doesn't need to be the case. Just like when it comes to smoke
detectors for fires, there are carbon monoxide detectors for that. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas
that can cause sudden illness and death.
In Western New York, unfortunately,
there was a very prominent case of this. Amanda’s Law was enacted in memory of
Amanda Hansen, who passed away from CO poisoning. The state law requires a C-O detector in every home.
Winter is a season that sees
more carbon monoxide deaths than the others. This is because our homes are so
closed up to ventilation in an effort to keep warm from the winter storms
raging outside. Please if you use a generator, place it outside. If you turn
your car on in the garage, crack open the garage door. If you use a snow
blower, start it outside. These things contribute to a large amount of
CO-related problems, but of course are not the only ways this happens. You can
prevent it also by getting your heating and gas systems checked by a
professional every year. CO can enter your house in a variety of fashions.
What’s important is to recognize the symptoms of illness and what to do when
you recognize it and/or hear your CO monitor going off.
The most common symptoms are: “headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting,
chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of
consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to
diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or
intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.” CO
poisoning happens because your red blood cells pick
up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. The body may replace oxygen in blood
with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can do all the
damage listed above and more. Everyone, including animals, are at risk for CO
poisoning.
If you suspect that you or
anyone in your household is experiencing CO poisoning, get out of the house and
call 911. The fire department will need to come in and inspect your house to
see what is causing the issue and more than likely you’ll need to get checked
out by a doctor. Do NOT open your windows as this will make it harder for the
fire department to locate the source of the issue.
Sources
