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Carbon Monoxide
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Every year, hundreds
of people become ill due to carbon monoxide poisoning; some of those
people die. We need to be vigilant about this danger.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced as a
by-product of combustion. Furnaces, wood stoves, space heaters,
barbeques, automobiles and cigarette smoke are all sources of carbon
monoxide.
At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatique in healthy people and
chest pains in people with heart disease. Chronic exposure to low levels
of this gas can result in flu-like symptoms that disappear when the
victim leaves the contaminated area. At higher concentrations, victims
can suffer a range of health effects including nausea, impaired vision
and coordination, dizziness, confusion and headache. Loss of
consciousness and death can result from exposure to very high levels.
What can be done to protect your family? While most people will not have
access to accurate air sampling equipment, there are several steps that
can be taken to reduce your risk of exposure.
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Install a CSA approved carbon monoxide detector in your home or
workshop.
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Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and maintained.
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Use the proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
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Choose externally vented space heaters rather than non-vented units.
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Use an externally vented exhaust vent over your gas stove.
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Fully open the flue when using a fireplace.
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Make sure that your woodstove is properly sized and installed.
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Have your central heating system professionally inspected every year.
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Do not idle your vehicle in the garage for more than a few minutes.
Resource:
Carbon Monoxide (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
The presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in our homes is dangerous. So, how
can you protect your family from carbon monoxide? How do you choose the
right CO detector for your home? |
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
