Finally, after months of unbearable heat, summer is coming to a close. It is time for chunky knits and pumpkin spice latte once again as the temperature drops for fall.
While the colder weather provides a reprieve from heat waves and heat domes, it also comes with a few dangers. The period between October to April or May is called the flu season when thousands of people get sick. Moreover, during these months, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning also increases.
The Invisible Danger of Fall and Winter
A previous report revealed that, between 2001 and 2003, approximately 480 Americans died each year from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. An estimated 15,200 more people are treated from confirmed or possible non-fire-related carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas. It is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable to humans.
It is also deadly. When inhaled, CO builds up in the bloodstream, eventually replacing oxygen and causing asphyxiation. People who have existing respiratory problems, the elderly, and infants are most susceptible to CO poisoning.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include persistent and severe headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Eventually, the person will pass out. With continued exposure, their heart will stop beating and they will die.
If more than one person within the household experiences these symptoms, or if symptoms disappear once you leave the premises, there likely is CO leak within the structure. Leave the house or building and immediately call 911.
CO poisoning is treated by flushing it out of the blood as quickly as possible before it causes damage to the lungs, kidney, brain, and heart. It would take a person 300 minutes to reduce CO levels in their blood by half after they go outside of a contaminated structure. It will take them 100 minutes if they use an oxygen mask from paramedics.
Where the Poisonous Gas is Coming From
CO is everywhere. It is the byproduct of combustion. By burning materials or using equipment powered by fuel, you can generate CO. If combustion occurs in an encapsulated structure without proper ventilation, CO will hang around and be inhaled.
Cases of poisoning increase during fall and winter because more households rely on gas furnaces and heaters to regulate the temperature inside their homes. Most of the time, the windows and doors are shut tightly, too, to prevent the cold air and the rainwater or snow from coming in.
However, it is preventable. Homeowners can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from being exposed to the deadly gas. One measure to eliminate potential CO poisoning inside the house is through regular maintenance of the furnace. A tune-up once a year will guarantee that a leak will not happen.
During the tune-up, the technician can analyze the exhaust to check the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and, of course, CO. The check would not be too expensive, but it will ensure that your family is safe from the dangers of CO throughout fall and winter.
Meanwhile, when using space heaters and, primarily, a fireplace, ensure adequate ventilation. You can dilute the stale air inside and replace it with fresh air by opening the doors and windows.
However, because it is cold, it is not always possible to keep entry points open. It is necessary then to use a mechanical system that pulls indoor air out of the building. But, as an added precaution, make sure that the ventilation system is not in any way blocked. Sometimes, birds and other animals can nest in the vent, which prevents the air from escaping. The vents also need regular maintenance, especially before fall and winter, to remove any debris that may have accumulated.
After a heavy snowfall, check the vest and exhaust stacks. Snow could have accumulated and are blocking the exit of fumes.
Homeowners should also avoid warming their cars inside the garage even if the garage door is open. Do it in the driveway or go on a short drive around the neighborhood.
In addition, using a CO detector will save lives. Remember to regularly check if the alarms are still working correctly. According to experts, the device should be tested at least once a month. The batteries, on the other hand, should be changed once every six months.
During the cold months, people tend to stay indoors to escape the falling temperature outdoors. However, there are still dangers lurking inside homes, many of which are invisible to the eye. People should be careful throughout fall and winter by maintaining adequate ventilation and caring for their heating systems.
Meta title: Why Cold Weather Raises Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
meta desc: Now that the unbearable summer is coming to a close, people now have to face the health risks that typically come with the cold months.
