The most terrible property of carbon monoxide is that it absolutely does not have any smell, and therefore the presence of its vapors in the air cannot be detected without special equipment. But it can appear anywhere. For this, the presence of almost any gorenje process is sufficient. If the oxygen concentration near the ignition source is not sufficient, then there are all conditions for the formation of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning manifests itself unexpectedly, since the victim in no way suspects that he has been breathing its vapors for some time.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: dizziness and headache, blurred consciousness, suffocation, muscle weakness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness. Sometimes, on the contrary, short-term increased mobility, then a disorder of coordination of movements, delirium, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, convulsions, coma and death from paralysis of the respiratory center. If the victim is not provided with clean air in a timely manner, then death is quite possible. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can remind you of yourself in the most unpleasant way even 15-20 days after the event itself.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide are gas and oil stoves, wood-burning stoves, gas appliances, water heaters and engines that emit exhaust gases. Cracks in stoves, a clogged chimney, blocked pipes can cause carbon monoxide to reach residential premises. Insufficient access of fresh air to the stove can also contribute to the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the house. Cramped structures of houses also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, since they do not provide free ventilation.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, the following must be observed:
-before the start of the heating season, check and repair the stoves in the houses;
-all chimneys, walls in which the smoke channels pass must be whitewashed;
-it is necessary to regularly clean chimneys and stoves from soot accumulated in them at least once every two months;
-when using the oven, do not close the flap until the coals are completely burned out;
-do not burn coal in the home fireplace;
-do not use a gas stove, oven to heat the house;
-do not sleep in a room where gas appliances are operated;
-always ventilate the rooms where gas appliances are installed;
-when using a gas stove, install and turn on the hood.
If the above recommendations are followed, we will eliminate cases of poisoning and death of people from carbon monoxide and significantly reduce the number of household fires in the private residential sector.