Carbon Monoxide! It is the silent killer.

It has no smell, no taste and no colour, but its effects can be deadly when it seeps undetected through a home. Here’s a look at carbon monoxide and some of the practical measures that should be followed to ensure safety in the home.

How it’s produced Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil, propane, wood or coal are burned. The danger is magnified when that combustion is not properly ventilated, or when the CO can’t dissipate because of a blocked or dirty chimney. CO could also build up to dangerous levels when fuel-burning generators, space heaters, barbecues, grills or other appliances intended for use outside or in well-ventilated spaces are brought indoors or into less-ventilated areas such as garages.

Why it’s so deadly According to Statistics Canada, there were 380 accidental deaths caused by carbon monoxide in Canada between 2000 and 2009. CO poses a particular danger because without a working carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity, there are no obvious signs it may be building up around you. It is invisible, and can sap the blood of its ability to absorb oxygen. “When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it builds up quickly and combines with the blood to produce ‘carboxyhemoglobin’ (COHb), which reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen,” Health Canada says on its website. Without oxygen, body tissue and cells can’t function. “The brain is extremely vulnerable to oxygen deprivation,” the Canada Safety Council says.

What the symptoms are It could be easy to confuse the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure with the flu or other medical problems. At low levels of CO exposure, Health Canada says, you might have a headache, feel tired or short of breath, or find your motor functions impaired. At higher levels of exposure, or at lower levels for a long time, symptoms might include chest pain, feeling tired or dizzy, and having trouble thinking. Convulsions, coma and death are possible with high levels of exposure, Health Canada says. If the levels are very high, death can occur within minutes.

What you can do to protect yourself Fire and public safety officials make a number of recommendations aimed at reducing the risks posed by carbon monoxide. Topping that list is having carbon monoxide detectors in the home, ideally located outside every sleeping area. “We’re a strong advocate of that,” says Chris Harrow, vice-president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. “These devices do and can save your life. It’s a small investment to have that protection for your family in the house.” Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves should also have regular maintenance, and ventilation should be checked, ensuring it isn’t blocked by snow or leaves. “Often what can happen is the monoxide’s trying to get outside but it can’t and it just comes back inside the house,” says DeRabbie. As tempting as it might be to bring a barbecue, an outdoor heater or a generator inside when the furnace quits or the power is off, that’s also a bad idea. “Most gas-fired appliances that are designed for outside have to stay outside just because they’re not designed and properly ventilated inside. Manufacturers’ specifications and directions will definitely tell you about how you properly use that,” says Harrow. Safety officials also suggest not idling vehicles in the garage, especially with the door closed, and to wear proper respiratory equipment if working in confined spaces where CO could be dangerous. Making sense of smoke alarm data and home fire deaths. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe, have your smoke/co detectors checked and changes if needed. 

Reasons to look at your Smoke Detectors:

1st – Your kids, yourself and the rest of your household. 2nd –  It gives you the piece of mind knowing you took first step. 3rd – Call the electrician if you aren’t sure they work.

-GD Electric & Controls Ltd.