You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t taste it. It’s invisible. It’s odorless. It’s tasteless. But it’s lethal. It is carbon monoxide. Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning kills 400 Americans, sends 10,000 to emergency rooms and hospitalizes 14,000. The elderly, children, unborn babies, and individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases are particularly vulnerable.
The Causes
Carbon monoxide is created by burning fuels such as gas, wood, propane, coal, natural gas, kerosene or charcoal, particularly in enclosed or poorly vented areas. Space heaters and clogged chimneys also can produce carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
There are a whole host of symptoms that present with carbon monoxide poisoning. But these symptoms are also evident with colds or other respiratory issues. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Reddening of ear tips and lips
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Weakness
If not treated promptly, carbon monoxide poisoning can also lead to severe complications including:
- Blindness
- Brain damage
- Depression or other personality changes
- Heart damage
- Movement problems
- Psychoses
- Short-term memory loss
And, of course, death.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you suspect someone has carbon monoxide poisoning, get them into fresh air immediately and call 911.
Of course, even better is preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are several suggestions.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Illinois law requires carbon monoxide detectors be installed within 15 feet of rooms used for sleeping if the structure uses fossil fuels to cook, heat or produce hot water, or if they are connected to an enclosed garage. Do NOT install them near the kitchen, furnace room, or garage. Additionally:
- Check the detectors monthly.
- Change the batteries every six months
- Most importantly, if the carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave the house immediately and call 911 or the fire department
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Make sure the following vents are clear:
- Clothes dryer
- Fireplace/chimney
- Furnace (and make sure the heat exchanger is not damaged as part of the annual inspection
- Stove
Do Not
- Leave your car running in an enclosed garage
- Use charcoal grills or portable stoves inside your house
- Use emergency generators in your garage or basement – make sure any generator is situated outside at least 20 feet away from windows and doors
- Use space heaters if you are not home or are sleeping
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric to Ensure Your Home Is Safe From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The NATE-certified and expert HVAC technicians at Ravinia Plumbing want to protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. We provide you with safe and reliable heating installation, maintenance, and repair services. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
