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What You Should Know about
Carbon Monoxide
Whether
you heat with wood, oil, gas or coal, your heating system can produce
carbon monoxide (CO) if it's not working properly, or
if it is not properly vented. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is odorless,
colorless and tasteless, but very toxic. Some signs indicating the
presence of carbon monoxide in your home are stuffy, stale or smelly
air, very high humidity or soot coming from the fireplace or heating
system.
What are the symptoms of COPoisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
are often confused with those of the flu, and in fact the highest
incidents of poisoning occur during the flu season. These symptoms
can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of muscle control,
physical weakn ess and mental confusion. High concentrations of carbon
monoxide can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death. However
a victim may not experience any of these symptoms, or only a few.
You should suspect carbon monoxide if the symptoms disappear wh en
you leave your home.
What to do if you Suspect CO
in Your Home
If you suspect the presence of carbon
monoxide:
- Open windows and doors
- Call your fuel supplier or licensed
heating contractor immediately for an emergency inspection.
- If carbon monoxide is detected,
seek medical attention immediately.
How to Reduce the Risk of CO
Poisoning in your Home
You can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a licensed
heating contractor, gas company or fuel supplier, preferably before
the heating season begins. Have the service company also check your
ch imney or vent pipes for blockage. If a blockage exists, contact
a professional chimney sweep immediately. It's also a good idea to
make sure your home is adequately ventilated, particularly if you
have insulated your home, had major renovations done, or enclosed
your heating system to increase living space.
Adapted with permission of the
Bay State Gas Co.
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