Texas's storm in 2021 left millions of people without electricity in their homes for hours. Desperate to keep warm people, People had to think of other ways to stay warm. What they didn't know was that a silent killer was among them. This silent killer is called Carbon monoxide.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious health conditions or even death.
It is the leading cause of poisoning death in the united states.
Common sources of CO are:
Fires
Malfunctioning cooking appliances
Tobacco smoke
Clogged chimney
Auto exhaust or idling vehicles
Malfunctioning water heater
Malfunctioning oil, wood, gas, or coal furnaces
Malfunctioning gas clothes dryer
Wood-burning fireplace or gas log burner
Gas or fuel-burning appliances in cabins or campers, barbecue grills, pool or spa heaters, or ceiling-mounted heating units
Generators that run on gasoline.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Here are the most common symptoms of CO poisoning:
Headaches
Dizziness
Weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Chest
Loss of hearing
Death
Respiratory problem
Low blood pressure
Blurry vision
These symptoms look like other health conditions, such as the flu or food poisoning. It is best advised to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How can you protect yourself from the silent killer?
Here are some tips
Have your furnace and fireplace cleaned and checked before each heating season.
Only use fuel-burning space heaters in well-ventilated areas.
Electrical space heaters pose no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, unlike those that burn fuels, such as kerosene.
Don't start or leave cars, trucks, or other vehicles running in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with the outside door open.
Don't use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas, such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is even riskier at high altitudes, where the risk of CO poisoning is increased.
Never use a gas stove or oven for heating a room.
When using a gas-powered generator for electricity, be sure to keep it a safe distance away from the home.
Install battery backup CO detectors in your home to warn you if CO levels begin to rise.
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