Page 18 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 115

18 Issue #115 August 2022 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

Know the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Let’s talk about the dangers of carbon monoxide.
It is often called the silent killer because it has no smell, taste, or even colour.
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever you burn fuel like coal, gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood, and wood pellets.
It also happens to be lighter than air and can therefore move freely through your home and your cottage. Although it can be a danger all year round,
the risk is greater in the winter months, as all homes are heated.
The dangers from carbon monoxide come from the fact that if it’s inhaled, it reduces the body’s ability to carry oxygen in blood. Often it also affects a
person prior to them even noticing it.
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to flu-like symptoms. These include tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath, and impaired motor functions — muscle
weakness, partial or total loss of function of a body part.
Increased levels can result in dizziness, chest pain, poor vision, and difficulty thinking. High levels of CO on the other hand, can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness,
coma, and even death.
Here’s how you can keep yourself and your family safe. Don’t ever smoke indoors, keep the door between your house and your garage (if applicable) closed, and don’t
leave your vehicle idling in the garage, even when the garage door is open.
You should also never use a barbecue or portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, vehicle, camper, or tent. That also includes kerosene or oil space heaters
and lamps in enclosed areas unless they’re specifically designed for indoor use.
You should also always make sure that your appliances are regularly maintained and inspected by a professional at least once a year, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. This includes fuel-burning furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, water heaters, and dryers.
Make sure to also examine your propane or natural gas-powered appliances regularly for leaks, cracks, blocked vents, tears, corrosion, and poor connection of gas lines.
Exhaust vents should also be inspected for any blockage.
Lastly, you should have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home if you have any fuel burning appliance, as well as in an attached garage. Remember,
smoke alarms alert you to smoke, not carbon monoxide! These can be purchased at any hardware or home equipment store.