The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY
Gas company warns of dangers
As area residents look for ways to stay warm in winter, they should take precautions to avoid poisoning by carbon monoxide, or CO, according to Columbia Gas of Ohio.
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, but deadly if too much accumulates in a home or business, said Bill Loomer, manager for communications and community relations for the gas company.
“It’s really a timely topic because when weather gets colder, people are using their furnaces,” Loomer said. “Anytime you burn a whole host of fuels, you have the opportunity to have carbon monoxide present.”
It is not just about natural gas, he said.
Burning wood, propane and kerosene can create carbon monoxide, Loomer said.
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headache and general malaise, he said.
“Anytime you burn a whole host of fuels, you have the opportunity to have carbon monoxide present.” — Bill Loomer, manager for communications and community relations for the gas company
People who suffer from CO poisoning often complain of having a splitting headache, he said.
That is, when they are awake, Loomer said.
If people are asleep, the gas can be deadly, he said.
“That’s why there’s such a high potential for really death to occur, because when you’re sleeping, you’re not going to realize anything at all is happening,” Loomer said.
CO detectors range in price from about $20 to $70, depending on what features they have.
“If you can plug something into a wall, you’ve taken a major step in being able to protect yourself and your family against carbon monoxide poisoning,” Loomer said. “It’s really that simple.”
The detectors are available at big-box hardware stores, he said.
Columbia Gas does not endorse a specific brand or model.
Ideally, the detector would be installed in the range of where people breathe, about five feet up, but plugging the unit into a lower wall outlet is better than not having one, Loomer said.
If a carbon monoxide detector sounds its alarm, or if residents suspect there is carbon monoxide or a gas leak in a home, they should get out and call 9-1-1 to summon the fire department, Loomer said.
The safety forces will call out Columbia Gas staff to inspect the situation and find a source. More safety tips: • Never run a generator indoors.
• Do not burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal and exhaust from gas-powered generators can create carbon monoxide.
• Do not warm up a car in the garage, even if the garage door is open. Depending on wind conditions, carbon monoxide still could accumulate in a garage.
• Fireplace chimneys should be cleaned and inspected each year.
• If you have any gas appliances, have them inspected and serviced annually.
“That’s the basic thing, just to make sure your appliances are in good working order,” Loomer said.
He noted in his own home, he has carbon monoxide detectors in the basement, family room, upstairs hallway and four bedrooms.
Columbia Gas of Ohio has published a safety video about carbon monoxide.
Loomer also recommended the federal Centers for Disease Control for more information on carbon monoxide poisoning.