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It’s silent, colorless, odorless and tasteless, but it can be fatal. I’m talking carbon monoxide (or as the chemists and geeks call it, “CO”). Like many other moms, I picked up the obligatory carbon monoxide detector when I had my first child. I knew little about the toxic gas, only that I needed to protect myself from it. I had a lot to learn. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not an area in which you want to remain ignorant. Everyone needs to know about this silent killer, especially moms.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
CO is a gas that results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Basically, anything combustible is a potential source. Be on the lookout for unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces and woodstoves; and improperly vented gas powered equipment, such as stoves and generators. Automobile exhaust from attached garages can also be a source of CO exposure, especially if the garage is located directly below a bedroom. Make sure anything that is combustible is properly fitted and vented. If there is a question, or if the equipment appears old and worn, then avoid use until it can be professionally inspected.
Health Risks
At high levels, exposure to CO can kill a person in minutes. At lower levels, CO causes symptoms that can often be mistaken for the flu, such as headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. It can also cause chest pain in people with heart disease. Fetuses, babies, the elderly and anyone with a long-term health condition are especially susceptible to CO exposure, so pregnant women need to take extra precaution. If you notice that you exhibit these symptoms in your home, but they clear up soon after leaving, then you may be at risk. And the time to do something is right now!
What’s a Mom to Do?
After giving all of your combustible equipment a thorough inspection, take steps to reduce CO exposure from vehicles, such as never idling the car in the garage (even when the door is open). Installing a ventilation system in your garage is always a good idea to reduce levels of CO. You can even get them set on a timer to work with the garage door. How convenient is that?
Here are some more easy ways to lower CO levels in your home:
- Use vented space heaters over unvented space heaters.
- Only use kerosene space heaters outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
- If you use a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace, make sure that the flue remains open when in use and that all doors and openings are properly fitted.
- If you have a gas stove, consider installing an exhaust fan that is vented to the outside of your home.
- Get a professional inspection on your central heating system once a year.
- Make a habit of opening windows in your home — even if just for a few minutes — on a daily basis (even during extreme season).
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Like most people I bought a CO detector and thought that was all I needed to do. Don’t let a CO detector give you a false sense of security. Buy it as a back-up, not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. Although they are a good warning mechanism, they are not fail-proof. Unlike a smoke detector, it is difficult to tell whether an alarm is the real deal or not. The technology is still developing, so don’t go by price alone. Make sure you do your research and get an alarm that is UL certified, and make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines carefully.
If You Suspect CO Exposure
If you think there may be high levels of CO in your home, then ask yourself these questions:
- Does everyone in your family exhibit the same flu-like symptoms that accompany CO exposure?
- Do the symptoms go away when you leave the home, and reappear when you return?
- Do you use any combustible equipment in your home, such as gas heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, etc?
- Have your appliances and central heating system been inspected lately?
If any of these questions have your mommy alarm going off, then take action. Get fresh air in your home immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off fuel-burning appliances, and if you really think there is a serious risk, get out! Don’t ignore symptoms, even mild ones. Carbon monoxide is not something to shrug off. It can be a potentially fatal threat. Take action against this silent killer now!
