Because it has no taste, has no smell and colorless, it is not possible for a person to know if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in the air. That said, all urban areas have some carbon monoxide pollution, and it has even caused fatalities in the home. Almost two hundred people die in the United States Of America annually from carbon monoxide from consumer products.
The toxic gas does occur naturally in the air but the majority of pollution in cities is comes from cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of certain fuels. In the home, carbon monoxide poisoning is normally caused by poorly maintained heating equipment, cooking appliances and furnaces.
Carbon monoxide gas is commonly utilized in industry in the production of chemicals and also in the meat industry and the production of medicines. Although carbon monoxide levels in the air are a concern in cities, it is in the home where the real hazards lie. And although fatalities are rare, over-exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems.
Early symptoms of poisoning include headaches, fatigue and nausea, and can often be mistaken for flu. In more extreme cases these symptoms can develop to dizziness, convulsions, respiratory problems and even death.
Because of this, it is vital to know when there is excessive carbon monoxide in your home and it could be wise to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, also known as a CO detector. They are normally installed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as furnaces. When carbon monoxide levels are excessive an alarm sounds, allowing occupants to the opportunity to vacate the building and ventilate it fully until it is safe to re-enter.
Carbon monoxide sensors are similar in appearance and function to smoke alarms and can be found for about the $30-50 mark
If your carbon monoxide sensor goes off, the first thing you should do is check 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 doctor.
Equally important however is a good knowledge of the hazards associated with carbon monoxide. With some basic precautions you can protect your family and your home:
* Make sure all fuel-burning equipment like heaters and boilers are maintained and cleaned before every winter. Your chimneys and vents need to be cleaned too. If any of the equipment isn't functioning properly it must be repaired or replaced.
* Be careful while utilizing kerosene or gas space heaters in the home. These should never be used in a room without proper ventilation.
* Do not use a gas oven to heat your house and do not run gas-powered appliances, such as generators, indoors.
* Do not leave your vehicle running in a closed garage.
The toxic gas does occur naturally in the air but the majority of pollution in cities is comes from cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of certain fuels. In the home, carbon monoxide poisoning is normally caused by poorly maintained heating equipment, cooking appliances and furnaces.
Carbon monoxide gas is commonly utilized in industry in the production of chemicals and also in the meat industry and the production of medicines. Although carbon monoxide levels in the air are a concern in cities, it is in the home where the real hazards lie. And although fatalities are rare, over-exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems.
Early symptoms of poisoning include headaches, fatigue and nausea, and can often be mistaken for flu. In more extreme cases these symptoms can develop to dizziness, convulsions, respiratory problems and even death.
Because of this, it is vital to know when there is excessive carbon monoxide in your home and it could be wise to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, also known as a CO detector. They are normally installed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as furnaces. When carbon monoxide levels are excessive an alarm sounds, allowing occupants to the opportunity to vacate the building and ventilate it fully until it is safe to re-enter.
Carbon monoxide sensors are similar in appearance and function to smoke alarms and can be found for about the $30-50 mark
If your carbon monoxide sensor goes off, the first thing you should do is check 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 doctor.
Equally important however is a good knowledge of the hazards associated with carbon monoxide. With some basic precautions you can protect your family and your home:
* Make sure all fuel-burning equipment like heaters and boilers are maintained and cleaned before every winter. Your chimneys and vents need to be cleaned too. If any of the equipment isn't functioning properly it must be repaired or replaced.
* Be careful while utilizing kerosene or gas space heaters in the home. These should never be used in a room without proper ventilation.
* Do not use a gas oven to heat your house and do not run gas-powered appliances, such as generators, indoors.
* Do not leave your vehicle 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.
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