How to Spot and Prevent a Carbon Monoxide Leak | Global News Avenue

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced when fossil fuels are burned. It’s colorless, odorless, and silent, making it nearly impossible to detect on your own until it’s too late. Carbon monoxide poisoning is completely preventable with proper use carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide blocks the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Specifically, it takes the place that oxygen normally occupies by binding more tightly to hemoglobin in red blood cells. When your blood can no longer carry the oxygen your body needs to keep your organs, especially your brain, functioning, your organs shut down.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning becomes particularly severe in the following areas winter Or when the power goes out, fuel-powered devices like stoves or portable generators are more likely to come into play.

Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom. They can protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning if you replace your carbon monoxide detector’s batteries twice a year and place them in a location that will wake you when you are asleep. You may want to consider a carbon monoxide detector with a digital readout, since in addition to sounding an alarm, it will also tell you the highest levels of carbon monoxide in your home. (You can also check out our guide Best places to place smoke detectors.)

What are the common causes of carbon monoxide in people’s homes?

You may be wondering what causes carbon monoxide in and around your home, and there are a few common culprits. Anything that burns fossil fuels is potential danger. This list includes (but is not limited to) cars, trucks, furnace,stove, gas stovesmall engine, dynamo, grilllanterns and fireplace. Improper use or maintenance of these devices can cause fatal levels of carbon dioxide in your home.

What are the signs of a carbon monoxide leak?

Carbon monoxide doesn’t smell like much; it’s odorless. Without a CO detector, you are unlikely to notice a CO leak until it is too late. That’s why it’s important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, which can identify low levels of carbon monoxide before it becomes dangerous.

How dangerous is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is deadly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as flu-like and include headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, weakness and confusion. People who are sleeping are less likely to show these symptoms and can easily die in their sleep. Additionally, carbon monoxide itself can put you to sleep and then kill you. Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but infants and the elderly are particularly susceptible, as are people with heart disease, anemia and breathing problems. According to CDCIn the United States, more than 400 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning that is not related to fires each year, with more than 100,000 emergency room visits and more than 14,000 hospitalizations.

How do carbon monoxide detectors work?

Carbon monoxide detectors measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and trigger an alarm if the concentration is high enough. There are many different types of CO sensors, including biogels, metal-oxide semiconductors, and electrochemicals. For more details How exactly does a CO detector work, check out our explainer.

No matter which carbon monoxide detector you have, be sure to place it where you will hear the alarm while you sleep. A good CO detector can detect lower levels of CO over time in addition to detecting sudden spikes. This could be a sign that gas is slowly leaking somewhere in your home.

Where should the CO detector be placed?

Each floor of your home, including the basement, should have a carbon monoxide detector. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of each individual sleeping area in your home so that when the sound goes off, it wakes anyone who may be sleeping. There shall also be one within 20 feet of any attached garage, furnace, water heater and fireplace. No matter where you place your carbon monoxide detector, make sure the area is clear of obstructions and protected from adverse environmental conditions.

take a look at our More CO Detector Installation Tips Guide. Be sure to read and follow the CO detector manufacturer’s equipment installation and maintenance guidelines.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector is broken?

If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out of the home immediately, get some fresh air, and call emergency services. Carbon monoxide takes time to dissipate, so don’t assume it’s safe to return home once the alarm stops. Always make sure your CO detector has fresh batteries; replace them twice a year and we also replace the clock daylight saving time A great way to help your memory.

Are there other ways to detect CO?

you can’t Detect carbon monoxide There are no CO detectors, but you may be able to identify potential CO hazards in your home.

Poorly maintained and poorly ventilated gas appliances are the most common culprits, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. These potential hazards include brown or yellow stains around appliances, pilot lights that frequently go out, yellow (instead of clear blue) burner flames, no updraft in the flue, odors in the air, and soot or smoke in the home.

What is the best way to prevent CO leaks?

There must be a chimney, heating system, water heater and any other appliance burning natural gas, oil or coal Annual repairs by qualified technicians. If you see, smell, or feel anything “off,” get it checked out immediately.

Only buy gas appliances with the seal of a national testing agency, e.g. Underwriters Laboratories. Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly; horizontal vent pipes should be angled slightly upward when outdoors.

Never try to patch an air duct with tape, gum, or anything else. Don’t use a gas stove to heat your home. Don’t burn charcoal in your home.

Do not use portable gas camping stoves or portable flameless chemical heaters indoors. If you use dynamodo not use it inside your home or garage, or even within 20 feet of any window or vent. All of these can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home. For backup power, consider something like solar generator or portable power stationwithout burning fossil fuels or risking carbon monoxide.

You should avoid driving in a closed garage. Did you know that you should not drive your car in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open? I’ve done this on cold winter days to warm up my car, but I certainly won’t do it again. It’s also a good idea to have your car’s exhaust system checked by a mechanic every year. If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, be sure to open the vents or windows when the tailgate is open.

For more home safety tips, check out our Home Safety Cheat Sheetand How to protect against fire, mold and other home hazards.