Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

CO Poisoning Preventable

While less than one percent of Arkansans are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning is that it is entirely preventable, according to Sherman Tate, Arkla's vice president for the Arkansas division.

"Customer safety is always our first priority and, because you can not see, smell, touch or taste carbon monoxide, it can be potentially dangerous. But you can use another sense, common sense, to protect you and your family," Tate said. "Keep your family safe and warm by knowing the dangers and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning."

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colorless, ordorless, tasteless and sometimes non-irritating. When breathed into the body, CO combines with blood preventing the body from absorbing oxygen. Upon reaching the heart or brain, this CO-contaminated blood can damage those organs and could cause illness or death.

Carbon monoxide is created by the incomplete burning of hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, natural gas, coal, wood and even tabacco.

While smoke inhalation from fires is one cause of CO poisoning, cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust are the most common sources of CO exposure. In fact, more than eight out of every ten CO fatalities are linked to fires or vehicles exhaust.

Any fuel-burning equipment or appliance, including wood stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, barbecue grills, furnaces, water heaters, boilers and ranges, has the potential to produce CO.

Advances in equipment and technology have caused a dramatic decline in CO incidents over the last fifty years. Carbon monoxide incidents in the home are extremely rare, because today's gas burning appliances are designed to operate safely and prevent the production of CO.

Here are a few tips for around the home:

• Never operate an automobile, lawn mower, combustion engine, barbecue grill or similar equipment in an enclosed area, such as your home, garage, or a tent, even with the door open.
• Have all fuel-burning equipment inspected regularly by a qualified technician.
• Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris or other blockages.
• Between equipment inspections, look for visible signs of problems, such as soot or water collecting near a burner or vent. Equipment that uses natural gas should show a clear blue flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem and should be checked immediately by a qualified technician.
• Make sure your fresh air intake is not blocked or restricted. Be sure all fuel-burning appliances and equipment are properly vented to the outdoors.
• Never try to heat a room with your gas range, oven or gas clothes dryer.
• For added protection, purachase a UL-listed CO detector with an audible alarm, digital display and memory.

A person exposed to CO may complain of dizziness, headache, nausea, sleepiness or other flu-like symptoms that disappear when breathing fresh air. Severe exposure can cause symptoms such as convulsions, cardiac or respiratory failure, or unconsciousness, and require immediate medical attention.