Carbon monoxide is a colorless,
odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gas, wood, propane, charcoal or
other fuel. Improperly ventilated appliances and engines, particularly in a
tightly sealed or enclosed space, may allow carbon monoxide to accumulate to
dangerous levels.
Hemoglobin in the red blood cells
carries oxygen to cells. Carbon monoxide is a very aggressive molecule: it
knocks oxygen off hemoglobin and binds very tightly. As a result, less oxygen
is transported to cells and they ‘suffocate.’
Depending on the degree and
length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause:
•
Permanent brain
damage
•
Damage to your heart,
possibly leading to life-threatening cardiac complications
•
Death
There are common conditions that
can cause CO levels to rise quickly:
•
Appliance malfunction,
i.e. the heat exchanger on your furnace cracks
•
Vent, flue, or chimney
is blocked by debris or even snow
•
Fireplace, wood
burning stove, charcoal grill or other source of burning material that is not
properly vented
•
Vehicle is left
running in an attached garage and carbon monoxide seeps into the house
•
Several appliances
running at the same time and competing for limited fresh air can be a cause of
carbon monoxide buildup. This condition can result in incomplete combustion and
produce CO, even if all appliances are in good working condition
Leave
the area immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Call 911 for
help. Do a headcount but do NOT re-enter – emergency responders with
respirators will assess and rescue others if needed.
MEDLINE from the US National Library of Medicine.
Update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
With a good carbon monoxide detector there will be plenty of time to evacuate. Install and save lives.
