Did you know that Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in North America?
Known as the “Silent Killer”, Carbon Monoxide is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas. When experiencing Carbon Monoxide poisoning, confusion is one of the initial symptoms. For these reasons, high levels of Carbon Monoxide can be extremely dangerous.
Statistics Canada indicates that people are at the greatest risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning during the months of January and February.
Carbon Monoxide is a natural by-product created whenever fuel is burned (i.e.-natural gas, gasoline, oil, propane, wood, coal, etc). The danger of Carbon Monoxide buildup is magnified when combustion engines, generators, space heaters, barbecues or grills are brought indoors or placed in a poorly ventilated space.
What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Low Concentrations – shortage of breath on moderate exertion, slight headache, nausea and dizziness.
Higher Concentrations – severe headache, mental confusion, dizziness, impairment of vision and hearing and collapse or fainting on exertion.
Extreme Concentrations – unconsciousness, coma and potentially fatal.
What are some precautions that we can take to protect against the buildup of Carbon Monoxide?