The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide
poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000
visits to hospital emergency departments
annually.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the most common type of fatal
poisoning in the United States. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can
cause damage to the central nervous system and the heart.
Following a significant exposure to Carbon Monoxide an
individual can suffer long-term effects that last a life time.
Carbon Monoxide can also have severe effects on the fetus of a
pregnant woman.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen as a
result of many different activities.
The most common sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning today are
motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fires, engine fumes, and
nonelectric heaters. Carbon monoxide poisoning typically occurs
as a result of malfunctioning or obstructed exhaust
systems.
Potential Sources of Carbon
Monoxide:
-
Gas water heaters
-
Kerosene space heaters
-
Charcoal grills
-
Propane heaters and stoves
-
Gasoline, Propane, and diesel powered
generators
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Propane-fueled forklifts
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Gasoline powered tools
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Indoor tractor pulls
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Boat engines
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Spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and
paint removers
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Risks for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
include:
-
Riding in the back of enclosed pickup trucks
-
Working at pulp mills and steel
foundries
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Being involved in Fire Rescue
Activities
-
Using heating sources or electric generators during power
outages
-
Working indoors with combustion engines or combustible
gases
-
Swimming near or under the stern or swim-step of a boat
with the boat engine running
-
Back drafting when a boat is operated at a high bow
angle
-
Mooring next to a boat that is running a generator or
engine
-
Improper boat ventilation
It can happen in
the home, when a gas stove, boiler, water heater or other
appliance is not properly installed or maintained. If it
is not vented properly, exhaust containing carbon
monoxide can be released into the home and cause Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning. It is important that you have regular
maintenance and inspection of gas stove, boilers, water
heaters, and other appliances that could be sources for
carbon monoxide in your home. It is vitally as important
that you install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home.
An ounce of prevention can save you and your family from
death or a life of constant pain resulting from Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning.
Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning can happen at work, when combustion
powered vehicles or generators are used in poorly
ventilated areas. If the Carbon Monoxide is allowed to
build up over time anyone within those areas is at risk
of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. It is important that you
are aware of your surroundings and what machines and
devices are operating around you. A common cause of
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the use of gas or propane
powered forklifts in warehouses. If such vehicles are
going to be used within an enclosed space, there needs to
be enough ventilation to prevent the build of Carbon
Monoxide.
It is very important that your employer
ensures your safety by making sure there is adequate
ventilation and carbon monoxide monitoring in
place.
Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning can happen in a vehicle or boat when the
exhaust system has a leak in it and the exhaust enters
the passenger compartment. The maintenance of your car or
boat is very important in preventing Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning. The amount of Carbon Monoxide in the passenger
compartment of a car or boat can build up quickly and
without you realizing you are being poisoned. The results
can be deadly. Make sure that your exhaust system is
maintained properly and that it is checked on a regular
basis.
It only takes one
significant exposure to Carbon Monoxide to change your
life and the life of your family
forever.
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