Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer

Press Release
carbon monoxide

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Fire Department (UCFD) released measures the public can take to protect themselves and their families against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can only be detected by a CO monitor. The CO monitor can be a lifesaving alarm as well. UCFD would like to provide some information on CO and encourage people to install CO monitors in their homes.

The gas is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels including wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. According to the CDC, CO “is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.” CO can be very dangerous and can affect everyone in the home or building.

There are several tips to prevent CO poisoning. People should have their heating system, water heater, and any other gas appliances inspected or serviced by a qualified technician. Chimneys should be inspected and/or cleaned every year. People should never use outdoor appliances such as charcoal grills, portable gas camp stoves, or generators inside the home, basement, or garage.

The best practice is to have a CO monitor in your home to detect the CO levels before levels rise affecting the health of the occupants. People exposed to CO will start to present with certain signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms begin with: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Higher levels of CO or prolonged exposure produce signs and symptoms of mental confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. If not treated, CO poisoning can lead to death. A tale-tale sign is that more than one person in the home may have the same signs and symptoms.

If you suspect CO, evacuate the home or building to an area of fresh air. Call 911 and have the fire department check the home for CO levels. Working CO monitors work best to detect dangerous CO levels before signs and symptoms develop. UCFD recommends that anyone who has heating units or other equipment that may produce CO gas to purchase a CO monitor for their home or building. 

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