Carbon Monoxide – Detecting a “silent killer”
Posted by Becky on 27 Jan 2010 | Tagged as: Quinte, Re/Max Quinte, Trish Belford, real estate, tips
Trish Belford and her team would like to share the following article that appeared in the Real Estate Today on December 10, 2009.
Each year, hundreds of people both old and young become seriously ill or die from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning, known as the “silent killer’ for its lack of odour, taste or colour. By understanding the cases and paying attention to the symptoms of possible CO poisoning, individuals can prevent dangerous circumstances.
Minimal amounts of CO are produced within a home when fossil fuels like natural gas, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, wood or charcoal are burned in appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, stoves and space heaters. However, when these appliances are used improperly or in a state of disrepair, CO levels can become dangerous and even deadly.
“By ensuring their fuel-burning appliances are maintained regularly and that performance or efficiency issues are dealt with immediately, individuals can help prevent this deadly gas from invading their homes,” says Mario Bernardi, Executive Director of ClimateCare, Canada’s largest cooperative of heating and cooling professionals.
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever. In fact, many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians. CO symptoms to watch for include:
– headache
– fatigue
– shortness of breath
– nausea
– dizziness
CO can only be detected by a CO detector, says Bernardi. Homeowners should ensure their service technicians check CO levels with every servicing of their fuel-burning appliances and should place CO detectors near fuel-burning appliances.
“It is recommended that homeowners have their fuel-burning appliances serviced at least once a year,” says Bernardi, “and that’s a perfect opportunity to have CO levels checked as well.”
For more information on Carbon Monoxide prevention and detection or to locate a ClimateCare member company in your area, contact ClimateCare at 1-888-838-5390 or visit www.climatecare.com. (News Canada)
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