Nearly 200 Americans are killed every year due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is produced in products that are in nearly every home across the nation. A lot of these products may malfunction without the consumer ever knowing it, until it is too late. Don’t be a victim. Educate yourself.
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, such as coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas.
CO can be found in cigarette smoke, house fires, faulty furnaces, heaters, wood-burning stoves, internal combustion vehicle exhaust, electrical generators, propane-fueled equipment like portable stoves, and gasoline-powered tools such as cars, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, high pressure washers, concrete cutting saws, power trowels, and welders.
When exposed to large amounts of CO in the air, the normal functions of your body change. Usually, your body gets rid of all CO made naturally. However with the exposed CO, your red blood cells are affected in their transport of oxygen to the blood. CO is over 200x stronger than oxygen, so instead the red blood cells become attached to the CO instead of oxygen. When this happens, your body is limited of oxygen and can lead to major problems.
What are the symptoms? Carbon Monoxide is extremely hard to detect, unless you know the symptoms.
* Mild symptoms include lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, vertigo, and flu-like effects.
* Severe exposure can lead to depression, confusion, vomiting, and memory loss.
* Larger exposures can lead to significant effects on the central nervous system and heart. Death can occur very quickly.
How can you prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
1.) Make sure all your appliances are installed properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it is too complex, get a qualified professional to install the unit.
2.) Never operate a portable generator or gasoline engine in an enclosed space, like a garage, house, tent, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO within the space. This also includes the burning of charcoal and the running of a vehicle.
3.) Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm! They are not expensive and will provide protection. Install an alarm in the hallway near separate sleeping areas in the home, and make sure it is not covered by furniture or curtains.
4.) Never use ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home!
5.) Never cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
6.) During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.
Don’t let Carbon Monoxide Poisoning be an option for you. Prevention remains a vital public health issue. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are. Every home should have at least one CO detector, and one on each floor.
If you or anyone you know feel has been affected by Carbon Monoxide due to malfunctioned products, you have rights. Contact the attorneys at V&B for a free consultation and free information regarding how we may help. Toll Free: 888-473-1258.
Category: Burns & Smoke Inhalation
To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."
