Protect against carbon monoxide poisoning

Frontiersman reporter

According to the National Center for Environmental Health, more than 500 people in the United States die of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Another 2000 or so die from carbon monoxide poisoning as a form of suicide.

While high levels of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death, there are many ways to protect you and your family against a gas that has no odor, color or taste, and doesn't irritate your skin. Make sure your home, vehicles and appliances comply with the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Department of Health and Human Services suggestions in order to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

Have fireplace drafts and all fuel burning venting systems in your home checked by an expert every year.

Have all gas appliances checked each year; Enstar will clean and inspect your furnace for $80.

Check your chimney for debris blockage every year.

Do not patch vent pipes with tape, this can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home.

Make sure indoor vent pipes are tilted slightly upwards as they go toward outdoors, this helps prevent carbon monoxide and other gases from leaking if the joints aren't fitted tightly.

Do not use a gas range or oven for heating purposes.

Do not use a charcoal grill or barbecue grill indoors.

Do not burn charcoal indoors.

When choosing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or the Underwriter's Laboratory.

Have your vehicle's exhaust system checked yearly by a mechanic. Even a small leak in the exhaust system can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your car.

Do not leave your car or truck running in the garage with the garage door shut.

Why does carbon monoxide poison us?

Red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, your blood may replace oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide. This blocks oxygen from getting into your body, which can damage tissues in your body and can kill you.

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

Headache

Dizziness

Weakness

Nausea

Vomiting

Chest pain

Confusion