Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide
1:54 p.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2007
During the winter, the risk goes up for carbon monoxide poisoning as homeowners try to stay warm.
Every year we lose about 500 Americans to carbon monoxide fatalities and more than 15,000 are arriving in emergency rooms.
Experts say faulty gas furnaces cause more problems than anything else.
Consumers really need to take the time to have that furnace inspected to make sure there are no leaks.
Portable generators placed too close to a home are also dangerous.
You can't see carbon monoxide gas, and you can't smell it, but it causes serious symptoms.
When you begin to get carbon monoxide exposure you have headache, nausea, some vomiting, some disorientation. as it progresses some people pass out and lose consciousness. They can even progress to death.
A simple blood test can determine the level of exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors be installed outside bedrooms.
If the alarm goes off, get out of the house and breath fresh air and call 911.
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