Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Risk Of CO Colorless Odorless Toxic Fumes In Your Casa Complaints

By Marion Long

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is impossible to see, smell or taste it. But this hard to detect toxic gas can attach itself in the blood supply when breathed and block the flow of oxygen to the brain and other important organs of the body. After some time, lack of oxygen can cause the body to shut down and without proper medical treatment, it can lead to death.

Leaking appliances are 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.

Indoor air will feel stale and oppressive and signs of moisture will most likely cling on the house walls. The pungent smell of gas may be experienced when you turn on the stove or any fuel burning household devices like the furnace or the water heater. The pilot light of these devices might turn yellow orange instead of blue and may flame out for no apparent reason. Dust like white soot may build up on the chimney and the ventilation duct.

Carbon monoxide can induce sleep and most of its victims die when exposed during the night while sleeping. Most of the victims are not even aware that they have malfunctioning appliances. Even a small amount of carbon monoxide when breathed can cause nausea, drowsiness, tiredness, and flue like symptoms. Fetuses, young children and the elderly are more susceptible to the ill effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you are experiencing any of the above warning symptoms, be sure that repair works is immediately performed by someone that is professionally trained to do so. When you notice any of the appliances that have a potential to produce carbon monoxide is not working, you should shut it down immediately and have a qualified technician inspect it.

They can make sure that your device will be fitted according to safety standards, and also provide you with the needed technical support, service and repair the device as needed. These appliances must be serviced regularly to prevent clogging that when left uncorrected can cause build up and leakage of carbon monoxide.

Adequate ventilation should be provided on all rooms that have appliances that burns fuel. Carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly and pose a greater risk without adequate ventilation. Your chimney should be swept at least once a year by a professional sweeper to avoid blockage. Moisture on the wall, air that feels stale and stuffy, build up of chalky white powder on air vents and pilot lights that flame out for no apparent reason and burn a yellow orange color instead of blue are some of the physical signs of carbon monoxide leakage at home.

Gas detectors can be a life saver especially when you are using appliances that burn fuel. Because carbon monoxide is impossible to see or smell, a gas detector might be your only way to immediately know the presence of this deadly gas. - 42532

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