What causes
carbon monoxide gas?
Any device that burns fuels like coal, gasoline, kerosene,
oil or
wood can create the gas.
Water heaters that burn natural gas create
carbon monoxide. Fireplaces and
stoves that burn wood create the gas. Natural
gas stoves and gas dryers or
charcoal grills also create carbon monoxide.
Automobiles create it.
Experts say the leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is damaged or
misused equipment that burns these
fossil fuels. Many people die or are
injured by the gas because they do not use these devices correctly. Any device
used to heat a home should be inspected to make sure it is working correctly.
And cooking equipment like a charcoal grill should never be used to heat an
enclosed area.
Fuel-burning devices can create carbon monoxide gas because not all of the
fuel is burned. Most devices used for home heating have
a way to expel the gas
from the home. For example, a fireplace has a
chimney. Natural-gas stoves or
gas water heaters are usually connected to a device that safely expels the gas
from the home. Automobiles also have a system for
releasing unburned fuel.
Anyone who uses a device that burns fossil fuel must inspect the equipment
carefully to reduce chances of carbon monoxide escaping. Companies that
produce the devices usually provide directions about using the device
correctly. These directions should be read and understood before using any
equipment that burns fuel inside a home.
A small, portable generator used to create electricity during a
power outage
can be dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
warns that
such a device can kill within minutes when not used correctly.
You can do a number of things to protect yourself from the effects of carbon
monoxide. First, immediately leave the area if you recognize the signs of
carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or others.
Seek emergency medical services after you leave the area where you
suspect the
gas might be. Usually, the
treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning involves
breathing in large amounts of oxygen. However, a doctor will know the best
method to treat the effects of such poisoning.
Carbon monoxide does not quickly leave the body,
even after treatment has
begun. It can take several hours before the gas disappears. If you suspect
carbon monoxide is a problem in your home, call your local fire department.
Many firefighters have the necessary equipment to find or identify the gas.
In many countries, it is possible to buy and use a special device that will
warn when harmful levels of carbon monoxide are in the area. These devices can
be linked to a home’s electric system. Others
are battery-powered. Experts say
these devices should be placed near sleeping areas in the home and they should
be tested at least twice a year.
The most important weapon against carbon monoxide poisoning is the safe use of
materials to heat any enclosed area. Safety directions that come with heating
equipment must be followed. Older equipment powered by fossil fuels should be
inspected every year to make sure it continues to be safe.
Knowledge about the
dangers of carbon monoxide could be the most important information you ever
learn.
This "Science in the News" was written by Nancy Steinbach and Christopher
Cruise. Our producer was June Simms. I’m Faith Lapidus.