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Carbon monoxide detection difficult, creates hazard

This document was published online on Monday, December 22, 2008

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Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating, making it difficult to detect.

At high levels, carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can kill a person in minutes.

The gas is produced whenever fuel – such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal – is burned. Proper maintenance and use of appliances is required to prevent production of hazardous amounts of carbon monoxide.

Fuel-burning appliances should be inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every season. Flues and chimneys must be connected, in good condition and not blocked.

Symptoms of the presence of carbon monoxide include severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, and/or fainting. It’s estimated that annually more than 15,000 victims in the U.S. seek medical attention for carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 500 deaths.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors and recommends each home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

The American Journal of Preventative Medicine estimates more than 80 percent of homes in Wyoming, Colorado and other Western states do not have a working carbon monoxide detector.

The detectors should be installed on every level of a home and in sleeping areas. An alarm should have a digital display screen to show the level of carbon monoxide detected in a home, peak-level memory to record the highest level of carbon monoxide present and a plug-in with battery backup.

Procedures to take whenever it’s suspected carbon monoxide is present include:

•Immediately remove any victim without endangering oneself and get medical treatment. Unconscious patients may require CPR on site.

•Go to an emergency room and inform the physician that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.

•Open doors and windows, and turn off combustion appliances.

More information is available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1-800-638-2772 and www.cpsc.gov.

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