Every year hundreds of people die in their homes as a result of accidents from carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use or faulty operation of heating appliances. How to avoid danger? What do you need to know about carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), is often called the "silent killer". The main problem is that it has no color, no taste, no smell, does not cause any sensations at all (until it's too late). At the same time, the gas spreads quickly, mixing with the air without losing its toxic properties.
What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide or, as it is also sometimes called, smoke gas is an odorless poison gas that cannot be seen or detected by smell and which can kill a person within a few minutes.
With mild poisoning , there are:
* headache,
* pounding in the temples,
* dizziness,
* chest pains,
* dry cough,
* lacrimation
* visual and auditory hallucinations are possible
* tachycardia
in case of poisoning of moderate severity:
* severe tinnitus
* drowsiness,
* motor paralysis is possible with preserved consciousness
with severe poisoning:
* loss of consciousness, comatose state
* seizures,
* respiratory disturbance that becomes continuous,
* dilated pupils with a weakened reaction to light,
* severe cyanosis (blueness) of the mucous membranes and skin of the face. Death usually occurs at the scene as a result of respiratory arrest and a drop in cardiac activity.
Where does carbon monoxide come from? Carbon monoxide gets into the atmospheric air during any kind of gorenje. When burning any fuel, for example, gas, oil, kerosene, firewood or coal, carbon monoxide is released. In the "leaders" in terms of the amount of carbon monoxide released during combustion, coal is listed. Usually dangerous gas is discharged out through the chimney or pipe of a gas boiler and does not pose a danger to people. But only with proper operation of the heating system.
Poisoning can also occur from exhaust gases from internal combustion engines in cars. It is dangerous to leave the engine running in the garage or to sleep in the cabin with the engine running.
In the old days, furnace heating was used everywhere. People "burned out" in their homes quite often. Mainly from the fact that the stoves or chimneys were cracked, or because, in order to preserve heat, the flap in the chimney was closed too early, when the firewood had not yet burned completely. But then everyone, young and old, knew how to use the oven. Accidents happened because of their own carelessness.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning? The most important thing is to keep the heating appliances in good condition. It is good to study the rules of their operation and apply them correctly. Carry out preventive maintenance and inspection on time.
Ensure proper supply and exhaust ventilation in the house. Sealed plastic windows retain heat, but hinder the flow of fresh air. Ventilation vents do not cope with the task of removing polluted air without fresh air.
In the event that certain symptoms are noticed during a long stay in the room – headache, nausea, dizziness – it is best to install a special sensor that detects the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!