|
News & Info
|
 |
 |
Seller Signup...
Quality Service, Seller or Tradesperson? Sign Up Now!
|
|
Home & Garden Articles
Detecting Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
Wed 07 Oct 2009 - 16:21
Detecting Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings]Geoff Cummings
Carbon Monoxide is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer".
Carbon Monoxide is breathed in, enters the lungs and displaces oxygen from the bloodstream. Without the right balance of oxygen the functions of the heart, brain and other vital organs suffer, resulting in anything from headaches, nausea, dizziness, extreme tiredness, and even death, if not caught in time.
Since it really can kill, the dangers of carbon monoxide are something we all need to be aware of. We should take steps to look out for the danger signs of this colourless, odourless, tasteless gas.
Basically there are four often obvious signs to show that Carbon Monoxide may be present-
1) Check around your gas boiler, water heater and fire. Discolouration, staining and sooting is a sign of CO.
2) If there is excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed in, or you can see or smell smoke.
3) The normal color of a flame or pilot light is mostly blue. If the flame is yellow orange this could be a sign that CO is present. This doesn't necessarily apply to decorative-flame or living-flame fires though, as they are supposed to show different colours.
4) CO might be being produced if your pilot light keeps on going out.
If you suspect that Carbon Monoxide is present these are the steps to take-
a) Switch off appliances.
b) Open all doors and windows and get out of the room.
c) Call the Gas Emergency Services on their 24 hour helpline.
Annual gas checks are a must, whether you arrange it through a competent gas fitter, or have a service contract with one of the gas suppliers. At these annual services any problems should be picked up, and remedied.
Always make sure your appliances are fitted in accord with current gas regulations. Difficult of course to do if you aren't a professional, but by using someone with the recognized qualifications you cut down the risk of getting a faulty and potentially dangerous installation.
Finally, fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm. This will detect just a tiny amount of CO, and will give you warning of its presence. Follow the fitting instructions carefully. Fit away from doors and windows, in places where air circulates naturally.
By taking sensible precautions we can avoid becoming a victim of Carbon Monoxide - the silent killer.
At http://www.ourhometools.com home safety products including Carbon Monoxide alarms are available for purchase at discount prices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings http://EzineArticles.com/?Detecting-Carbon-Monoxide---The-Silent-Killer&id=3035837
Looking for information on General Home Improvement, Find a supplier at HomeWise.ie
back to General Home Improvement articles
back to all home & garden articles
|
|