Silent killer among us: Carbon monoxide poses real danger

As the weather turns cold and natural gas heating equipment is started, officials encourage residents to be aware of carbon monoxide and the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless lethal gas, the by-product of incomplete combustion. It is composed of a single molecule of carbon and one of oxygen and is released when fuels like natural gas, oil, or wood do not burn completely in malfunctioning appliances such as furnaces and water heaters, according to information provided by Empire District Electric Company.

Absorbed through the lungs, carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin that normally carries oxygen to the body's cells. It replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, causing hypoxia, an abnormal reduction of oxygen in the body tissues.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms, generally without a fever, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, burning eyes, irregular breathing and disorientation.

As the length and amount of carbon monoxide exposure increases, so does the severity of the symptoms. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage or death.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, carbon monoxide can kill within minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. When appliances work properly and are used properly, CO emissions are usually not a problem, the EPA says.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get fresh air immediately, open windows and leave the house. Seek medical attention immediately. As a precaution, install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home.

Here are some other preventive "dos and don'ts" recommended by the EPA:

* Do have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves --inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

* Do choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers' instructions.

* Do read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

* Do call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772) at www.cpsc.gov for more information on how to reduce your risks from CO and other combustion gases and particles.

* Don't idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.

* Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

* Don't ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.

* Don't sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

* Don't use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.

* Don't ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.