During the chilly months, we rely on appliances and equipment to keep our living and work areas warm. Please be aware fossil fuel burning appliances and equipment produce carbon monoxide. Some of these include gas and oil furnaces, boilers and water heaters, and gas, oil and kerosene space heaters.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas making it very dangerous. High concentrations can cause death within just a few minutes of breathing it in while lower levels can make you sick.
When appliances and equipment are properly installed and maintained, they produce only small amounts of carbon monoxide, making them safe for use. Anything that disrupts the burning process or results in a shortage of oxygen can increase carbon monoxide production. Additionally, wood, coal and charcoal fires produce carbon monoxide. It is important to remember to allow for proper ventilation when using any of these fuels.
An essential way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to consistently check and maintain appliances and equipment such as furnaces and fireplaces to ensure they are venting properly. Some problems may include chimneys being plugged by birds’ nests or tree leaves, snow build-up, chimney deterioration, chimneys too short to vent correctly, appliances with no venting system, house air flow patterns and downdrafting.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors is another way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to buy detectors which meet American Gas Association or Underwriters Laboratories standards. NOTE: The sensor cell inside the detector does not last forever—look for an expiration date—even at the time of purchase. It is possible these sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for an extended period of time and you do not want to buy one which has already expired. If the detector is battery operated, be sure to test monthly, just as it is recommended for smoke detectors. Other things to do to protect you and your family is to have your heating system inspected and make any necessary repairs or changes to the system.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu symptoms. Mild exposure produces slight headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Extreme exposure produces convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure, brain damage and possible death. Because these symptoms are similar to many illnesses, carbon monoxide poisoning is often misdiagnosed. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, immediately get to fresh air outside and call for medical assistance. It takes many hours, even days, for carbon monoxide to be eliminated from the body unassisted. During this time, additional damage can occur. Continual exposure can cause permanent brain, nerve or heart damage.
To learn more, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
