The dangers of carbon monoxide should be taken seriously by the general public. If it is inhaled, its affects can be so catastrophic that it can even lead to death. You can be at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning anywhere, whether that be at home or at work. Its particular qualities make it more dangerous and harder to detect, as it is odourless and invisible. It takes one faulty appliance for all hell to break loose. Once it has been breathed in, it replaces the oxygen in the blood, killing off cells and starving vital organs of oxygen.
It has been reported that around 20 million households in the UK are being careless in not taking necessary precautions to detect the gas. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, some of the early symptoms to look out for are feelings of dizziness, nausea, headaches, and forgetfulness. As these symptoms can be applied to other illnesses as well, they are easy to miss or misinterpret. Furthermore, if the person suffering from these symptoms moves out of the vicinity affected, than the issue will not clear up.
What precautions can you take?
If you don't take enough vigilance and care, the risks of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning can be higher. However, there are steps you can take to be better prepared and to reduce the risk of exposure. Once you prepare yourself, you will be in a better position to deal with any emergency that arises.
If you are about to go on holiday, you should first check if there are any gas appliances where you are staying. Admittedly, this may seem like an usual thing to think about, however it is important for your safety. You have the opportunity to ask to be moved to another location if there is a gas heater at your location. It is also advisable to take a carbon monoxide detector.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency situation is best to remain calm and not panic. It is important to stop using the appliance straight away if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak. Only start using it again once it has been checked over by a qualified and registered engineer.
It is advisable to get plenty of ventilation into the affected area. You can do this by opening all the windows and doors. Make sure the entire area is vacated. You should move any persons affected by carbon monoxide poisoning outside into the open air and try to get them plenty of oxygen. You should also call for medical help right away and make sure the persons affected get plenty of rest.
Once the person starts receiving medical care, it is important that you notify the health professional that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected so that the correct treatment is provided. If you have gas appliances in the property, make sure you do not smoke or turn any light switches on or off. Don't do anything to create a spark.
It has been reported that around 20 million households in the UK are being careless in not taking necessary precautions to detect the gas. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, some of the early symptoms to look out for are feelings of dizziness, nausea, headaches, and forgetfulness. As these symptoms can be applied to other illnesses as well, they are easy to miss or misinterpret. Furthermore, if the person suffering from these symptoms moves out of the vicinity affected, than the issue will not clear up.
What precautions can you take?
If you don't take enough vigilance and care, the risks of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning can be higher. However, there are steps you can take to be better prepared and to reduce the risk of exposure. Once you prepare yourself, you will be in a better position to deal with any emergency that arises.
If you are about to go on holiday, you should first check if there are any gas appliances where you are staying. Admittedly, this may seem like an usual thing to think about, however it is important for your safety. You have the opportunity to ask to be moved to another location if there is a gas heater at your location. It is also advisable to take a carbon monoxide detector.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency situation is best to remain calm and not panic. It is important to stop using the appliance straight away if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak. Only start using it again once it has been checked over by a qualified and registered engineer.
It is advisable to get plenty of ventilation into the affected area. You can do this by opening all the windows and doors. Make sure the entire area is vacated. You should move any persons affected by carbon monoxide poisoning outside into the open air and try to get them plenty of oxygen. You should also call for medical help right away and make sure the persons affected get plenty of rest.
Once the person starts receiving medical care, it is important that you notify the health professional that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected so that the correct treatment is provided. If you have gas appliances in the property, make sure you do not smoke or turn any light switches on or off. Don't do anything to create a spark.
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, Southampton plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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