CO or carbon monoxide is a tasteless and odourless gas that comes from combustion. One good example of CO is the smoke coming from a car’s exhaust. CO can be very deadly because of its poisonous nature, and your home is a rich source of CO thanks to the chimneys, wooden stoves, and gas heaters that you have at home.
Even when you’re cooking, you’re already inhaling trace amounts of CO which can be hazardous to your health in the long run.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion and fainting
- Impaired vision
If you experience these symptoms, open your windows and go outside immediately to get some fresh air. Once you’re all right, seek medical attention.
CO usually comes from car exhausts, boilers, heaters, and other appliances that involve combustion. Your barbecue grill is also a source of carbon monoxide and it should remain outside. CO poisoning usually occurs when there’s poor ventilation. For example, when you’re cooking in the kitchen and you suddenly feel any of the symptoms listed above. This is because the smoke or CO coming from the stove has no way out except through windows. This is why it’s a good idea to open your windows when you’re cooking. Faulty heaters and radiators can also cause CO poisoning.
In order to prevent CO poisoning, it’s imperative that you have more than one CO detector at home. They work like fire alarms except they detect CO. They also give off a shrill sound when CO levels get too high.
How do you eliminate CO at home?
CO detection at home is very easy and, so is eliminating the deadly gas from your home.
- First, make sure that all your heaters were installed by professionals. This will reduce the chances of CO exposure through improper installation. The same thing can be said for your boilers, chimneys, and other appliances that burn fuel.
- Use the right fuel or kerosene for your kerosene heater.
- Your wooden stove should meet federal EPA emission standards.
- Never use charcoal inside your house.
- If you have a gas generator, make sure that it’s far from your home so you don’t inhale the exhaust.
For more information about CO exposure, you can seek help from a qualified plumber or just call your local health authorities.
