December 12th, 2017
Did you know…? Over 500 people in the United States die from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning each year? Over 10,000 people seek medical attention for CO poisoning each year? Infants, people with lung or heart disease, or people with anemia are more seriously affected? What is it? Carbon monoxide is a gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, and can be fatal when breathed. The symptoms that occur with carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu and allergies. These similarities often lead to an incorrect diagnosis, such as a migraine headache, stroke, food poisoning, or heart disease. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by: Operating fuel-burning products such as electrical generators without proper ventilation. Some of these products may be used indoors near an open window, and others may not be used indoors at all. Look at the manufacturers’ instructions before operating any fuel-burning device in your home. Car exhaust entering the home from the garage. Combustion equipment such as furnaces or hot water heaters that are not working properly or have blocked exhaust systems.