We recently shared a blog post about the rise in carbon monoxide poisonings caused by keyless cars that were unknowingly left running in garages. It is worth noting that the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) both caution that even knowingly leaving a car running in a garage attached to a home (to warm the vehicle up in winter, for example) — even when the garage door is open — is never safe.
As a follow up to the blog post, we are sharing information about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of a carbon monoxide detector.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is particularly dangerous in an enclosed and poorly ventilated space — it is especially dangerous if you are intoxicated or sleeping, as you will be unaware of the gas and could suffer permanent damage or death before you are aware of the danger. Unborn babies, older adults, children and those with anemia or chronic heart disease are at greater risk if exposed to carbon monoxide.
When humans inhale the gas, carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in your blood and can lead to tissue damage, brain damage, miscarriage, damage to your heart and death. Symptoms tend to be “flu-like” and include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, immediately leave your home (and gather all pets and family members) and call 911. If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, it is important that you get out into the fresh air and seek medical attention even if you have minor symptoms.
To determine whether you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, physicians usually take a blood sample. If it is determined that you have been poisoned you may be given pure oxygen to breathe or — in more severe cases — spend time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless and odorless, it is extremely difficult to detect without a detector. It is recommended that detectors be placed in the hallway next to bedrooms and next to the entranceway of an attached garage. Batteries should be checked twice a year (as should fire alarm batteries). The CDC recommends detectors with a digital readout that can tell you the level of CO in your home and encourages people to replace the detector every five years.
Safewise, an independent product review website, provides a table listing the top carbon monoxide detectors for 2018. Some of the most highly ranked detectors include smoke detection, as well as app and digital home automation capabilities. The webpage lists both the pros and cons of each model as well as detailed information about each product.
According to Safewise, detectors operate in three ways — biomimetic sensors, metal oxide semiconductors or electrochemical sensors. Safewise notes that electrochemical sensors are “considered the best in the industry.” Smart detectors are the “most advanced” — they run their own diagnostics to ensure they are working properly and can sync with home automation apps that allow you to check on your home while you are away.
If you don’t have a CO detector at home, we strongly encourage you to purchase one (or several) and install them immediately.
