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CARBON
MONOXIDE: AN INVISIBLE THREAT IN HOUSEHOLDS THIS WINTER
AUBURN, JAN. 24---High
gas-heating bills are not the only worries consumers face this
winter. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is another.
 Carbon
monoxide poisoning is most common in winter because heaters and
furnaces are running full force and houses tend to be tightly sealed
during colder months to retain heat. Poorly ventilated houses or
apartments often trap carbon monoxide, posing a risk to occupants,
says Dr. Jesse LaPrade, Extension environmental specialist with the
Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, produced whenever
carbon-based substances are burned. Common sources of carbon
monoxide include wood-burning stoves, charcoal grills, cigarette
smoking and oil- or gas-powered furnaces.
Experts estimate that
annually more than 1,000 Americans die from accidental carbon
monoxide poisoning at home or in motor vehicles, and some 10,000
suffer symptoms that prompt medical attention. Not included in those
numbers are people who die from heart attacks triggered by exposure
to toxic gas. Many people exposed to carbon monoxide suffer brain
damage, leading to personality changes and memory loss.
There is a simple
solution to the problem. A carbon monoxide detector could mean the
difference between life and death, says LaPrade. Numerous companies
manufacture carbon monoxide detectors, which cost between $35 and
$100 each. Detectors are sold at home improvement centers,
department stores, hardware stores, discount stores and some drug
stores.
To reduce the risk of
carbon monoxide poisoning, LaPrade suggests annually inspecting
homes and appliances that run on fossil fuels to ensure they are
properly ventilated. In some cities, fire department personnel will
check homes or businesses for carbon monoxide leaks at no cost.
Never use charcoal
burning grills inside a home. Charcoal gives off large quantities of
carbon monoxide while burning.
Although heating costs
are an important consideration during these cold winter months,
homes shouldn't remain so tight that air circulates poorly. Leaving
a window slightly ajar could make a big difference.
SOURCE: DR. JESSE
LAPRADE, Extension Environmental Specialist, Alabama Cooperative
Extension System, (334) 844-5533
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