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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facts
Tue 14 Apr 2009 - 08:40
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine]Joseph Devine
Everyone is required by state law to have a smoke detector installed inside their places of residence in order to alert them of any fires that may arise. However, most people must take the initiative themselves to purchase and install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in their homes. The majority of states do not have any laws requiring that such a detection system be implemented in places of residence. Because of this, many individuals may not be aware of the dangers that this common gas may pose to them and their families.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
In humans results, this condition results from over-inhalation of this odorless and colorless toxic gas. It exists naturally in the world in small amounts; however, large and concentrated amounts of this deadly substance may build up in homes with improper ventilation and old, gas-burning appliances. This gas is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. When there is not enough oxygen present to match up with the burning carbon and form the output gas of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is instead created. Old appliances such as gas boilers, furnaces, stoves, and even fireplaces are all potential sources.
When a person inhales too much, he or she may experience carbon monoxide poisoning. This phenomenon can be fatal if the affected individual does not evacuate the area promptly and seek fresh air and/or medical attention. The problem is that this dangerous substance is tricky to detect in that it has no color, smell, or taste. Therefore, a person may not be made aware of the presence of it in the vicinity until he or she begins to actually experience the symptoms of being poisoned.
What are the symptoms?
If an individual is suffering from this highly dangerous medical condition, he or she will experience symptoms similar to those caused by the flu. Common signs include the following:
· Headache
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Shortness of breath
· Chest pain
· Confusion
People who experience the above while inside their homes should evacuate the area and wait to see if they begin to feel better in fresh air. Those who are asleep when they are poisoned by this gas run the risk of dying before they even wake up.
How can I protect myself?
There are certain steps you can take inside your own home to shield yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. First, take the time to purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, near the room in which you sleep. It would also be wise to perform periodic maintenance on all of your gas-powered appliances to ensure that they are in proper working condition. If they are malfunctioning, you should fix them immediately since they pose a threat.
If you would like to learn more about this potential threat inside residential areas, contact [http://www.lowabram.com/Injury-On-Property.cfm]Philadelphia carbon monoxide poising attorneys Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine http://EzineArticles.com/?Carbon-Monoxide-Poisoning-Facts&id=2111098
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