Association of Air Conditioning Professionals
What are some of the common sources of carbon monoxide?
malfunctioning cooking appliance
tobacco smoke
clogged chimney
auto exhaust
malfunctioning water heater
malfunctioning oil, wood, gas or coal furnaces
malfunctioning gas clothes dryer
wood burning fireplace, decorative fireplace, gas log burner, or any unvented space heater
other possible sources: appliances in cabins or campers, barbecue grills, lack of adequate ventilation, pool/spa heaters, ceiling-mounted heating unit
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can help alert you
to increased level of carbon monoxide in your home. BUT THEY ARE NOT
FOOLPROOF.
These guidelines should be followed:
CALL - if your detector alarm sounds and your are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning leave your home and immediately call your local emergency services number or 911.
CHECK - if your detector alarm sounds and you have no symptoms or carbon monoxide poisoning: first check the detector, push the reset button (if available), turn off any appliances or other sources of combustion, get fresh air to the building, and check for sources of carbon monoxide. Adjust, repair or replace as needed by calling a qualified service company.
ALWAYS - if you think you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and you do no have a detector, call your emergency services number of 911 immediately.
Information from C-MAC (Carbon Monoxide Awareness Coalition) and provided by AACP (Association of Air Conditioning Professionals).
Quite simply, carbon monoxide prevents oxygen
from begin used by your body. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can harm
your central nervous system.
Everyone is at risk of being poisoned by carbon monoxide. However, individuals with existing health problems such as heart and lung disease and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Infants, children and pregnant women are also at high risk.
headaches
dizziness
weakness
nausea
rapid heartbeat
seizures
cardiac arrest
loss of hearing
blurry vision
vomiting
disorientation
loss of consciousness
coma
respiratory failure
This list is not meant to serve as a diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it is meant to provide information on the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Always check with your doctor.
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