How Do You Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning?
When winter arrives, most of us crank up those heaters and furnaces, along with the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide if these appliances aren’t vented outdoors or properly maintained. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas, so you can’t smell, see or taste the fumes. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it attaches to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, inhibiting oxygen uptake, so exposure at very high concentrations can be fatal. These simple tips can help protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. Step 1 Carbon monoxide is produced by the burning of fuels such as gas, oil, wood and charcoal. There are many home appliances that burn these fuels, e.g. gas or oil furnaces, gas space heaters and water heaters, gas stoves and refrigerators, gas clothes dryers, charcoal grills, wood stoves and fireplaces. Opt for appliances that vent outdoors, ensure they are correctly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and check for any cracks, holes, leak
