Does everyone have a carbon monoxide detector in their home?

carbon monoxide detector - carbon monoxide detector
United States
November 17, 2006 1:24pm CST
I DO!! Carbon Monoxide"The Silent Killer" Facts According to the Center fof Disease Control, nearly 500 unintentional deaths and more than 1700 suicides are related to carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United States. An estimated 3000 to 5000 people are treated annually for carbon monoxide poisoning in hospital emergency rooms, but it is believed that many more are misdiagnosed or never seek medical care. CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths. Symptoms Early exposure to CO mimics flu-like symptoms; headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and confusion. CO Sources CO is produced when fossil fuels burn incompletely as a result of insufficient oxygen. Fuels include natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline, coal, wood and charcoal. Sources of CO include the furnace, water heater, oven, range, clothes dryer, fireplace, space heater, charcoal grill, wood-burning stove or an idling vehicle in an attached garage. CO Incidents Improper installation or poor maintenance of appliances. Inadequate ventilation of appliances, including fuel burning space heaters. Automobile exhaust In tightly sealed homes, negative pressure can force flue gases (such as those from wood stoves or water heaters) to reverse flow or backdraft into the living space. These incidents are the most difficult to detect. Age, overall health, length of exposure and the concentration of the exposure (measured in parts per million) all determine the degree to which a person becomes affected by CO.
1 response
@tibido (4080)
• Italy
17 Nov 06
No i haven't