Carbon monoxide is a poisonous kind of gas that you can not see, smell or taste. It is a result of incomplete oxidation in the combustion process. Prolonged inhalation of high concentration of carbon monoxide can be fatal as it clings to the blood and prevents it from bringing oxygen to the vital organs of the body. Your body needs a steady supply of oxygen to remain alive and lack of oxygen causes our organs to stop functioning.

Leaking appliance is the primary cause of death from carbon monoxide leaks. Homes that are not properly ventilated pose a bigger risk. If heating appliances are properly maintained, the amount of carbon dioxide that they produce can be too small to pose any health hazard. However, appliances that are used incorrectly and vented improperly can cause some serious problems.

Vented appliances are provided with a pipe or a duct to send pollutants outside your home. But when the vent is improperly installed, blocked and leaking, the device can inadvertently release pollutant that may include carbon dioxide inside your home.

There are several warning signs of carbon monoxide leaks in your home. People exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning will experience flue like warning signs like headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and confusion. These symptoms may become less noticeable when the victims are outside and then come again when they return home. More than one household member will have these warning signs that might become more noticeable on the elderly and young family members.

There can also some physical signs of carbon monoxide presence in your home. Small water droplets could cling on the walls and indoor air may feel musty and stifling. Strong smell of gas might be experienced when the stove or other heating devices that burn fuel are turned on. The pilot flame will also be burning at lower temperature, evidenced by its yellow orange color and not blue when burning properly.

White dusty powder that looks like soot will also cling around the exhaust ventilation or chimney and the pilot light on the furnace and water heater will sometimes flame out for unknown reason.

Majority of victims of carbon monoxide poisoning die in their sleep when they breathe the deadly fumes at night. Leaking appliance is the major cause of carbon monoxide deaths and most of the victims are not even aware that they have faulty appliances. That is the reason why you should consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm to detect carbon monoxide indoors.

A carbon monoxide detector is a must when especially when your home is equipped with appliances that burn fuel and are therefore possible source of carbon monoxide leaks. You should choose one that is user friendly and has the capability to detect all of the possible gas hazards at home. When you value your family’s safety and health, a carbon monoxide detector could be the wisest investment you can ever make.

Learn more about Gillece plumbing reviews and the Hazard of carbon monoxide colorless odorless toxic fumes in your home.

categories: carbon monoxide,poisoning,gas,plumbing,safety,households

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