Protect Your Loved Ones Against The Threat Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning By Installing A Carbon Monoxide Detector

By: Xavier Toolhausens Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Carbon monoxide does occur naturally in the air but the majority of urban pollution is caused by cars and other vehicles, as well as the burning of some fuels. At home, carbon monoxide poisoning is normally caused by poorly maintained heating equipment, cooking appliances and boilers.

Carbon monoxide gas is often used in industry for making chemicals and also in the meat industry and medicine. Though carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere are a worry in cities, it is in the home where the real dangers lie. And while deaths are uncommon, over-exposure to carbon monoxide can result in major health problems.

Initial warning signs of poisoning include headaches, tiredness and nausea, and can often be confused with flu. In more extreme cases these symptoms can develop to dizziness, convulsions, respiratory problems and even death.

For this reason, it is vital to know when there is too much carbon monoxide in the home and it could be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor, also called a CO detector. They are usually placed in the home near potentially hazardous appliances, such as furnaces. If carbon monoxide levels are too high an alarm sounds, allowing occupants to the chance to leave the building and ventilate it entirely until it is okay to return.

CO detectors look like and function like smoke alarms and can be purchased for about the $30-50 mark

If your CO detector goes off, you should immediately ensure that nobody in the home is experiencing any of the warning signs of poisoning. If so, get them out of the house immediately and contact a hospital.

Equally important however is a good grounding in the dangers surrounding carbon monoxide. With some simple precautions you can protect your family and your house:

* Ensure all fuel-burning appliances like heaters and furnaces are checked and cleaned before every winter. All chimneys and vents must be checked too. If anything isn't working properly it must be repaired or replaced.

* Take care when utilizing kerosene or gas space heaters in the house. These must never be used in an unvented room.

* Never use a gas oven to heat your home and do not use gas-powered appliances, such as generators, indoors.

* Never leave your car running in a closed garage.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Xavier is a independent writer with over a dozen years editorial experience. Xavier is presently consulting as a journalist for many well-known b2b portals and is considered the in house authority on home safety. Visit our web portal for additional information on Carbon Monoxide Detector and Co Detectors.