What
is carbon monoxide?
Carbon
monoxide or CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless
gas. Due to this fact, it is very hard to detect the
presence of CO in your environment. It is, however,
imperative that the CO levels in your home are carefully
monitored. Even at relatively low levels, CO is poisonous
because it rapidly accumulates in the blood thereby
depleting its ability to carry oxygen. Extreme cases
of CO poisoning result in death. |
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Where
does carbon monoxide come from?
CO
is a common by product of the combustion of fossil fuels.
When properly installed and maintained, most fuel burning
equipment (natural gas, propane or oil) will produce insignificant
amounts of CO.
At
what level does carbon monoxide become toxic?
For
healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level
higher than 50 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure
over an eight hour period.. When the level of CO becomes
higher than that, a person will suffer from symptoms of
exposure. Mild exposure over a few hours (a CO level between
70 ppm and 100 ppm) include flu-like symptoms such as headaches,
sore eyes and a runny nose. Medium exposure (a CO level
between 150 ppm to 300 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness
and vomiting. Extreme exposure (a CO level of 400 ppm and
higher) will result in unconsciousness, brain damage and
death.
How
to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- have
a qualified technician install and regularly inspect all
fuel burning appliances
- regularly
inspect fireplaces and chimneys to insure proper ventilation
- never
use a gas or charcoal barbeque indoors
- never
start a car or gas run lawnmower or snow blower in a closed
garage.
- install
a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
About
The Author
Alexandria
Haber is a freelance writer and is the head researcher and
content manager for http://www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/.
info@carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com
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