Knowing how to handle a carbon monoxide leak can save your life and your family’s.
Carbon Monoxide: What is it?
Carbon monoxide is a chemical compound that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. This gas is only slightly lighter than air, thus it is hard to differentiate. Over exposure to carbon monoxide or amounts of it in high quantities is lethal.
Small quantities of this gas is found in animal metabolism. Some carbon monoxide particles can also be found in the atmosphere as a result of volcanic activity. It can also be present in urbanized areas, and can come from toxic fumes from various vehicles.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Indoors. carbon monoxide can come from malfunctioning gas appliances. Some examples are boilers, ranges, cookers, ovens, water heaters, air conditioners and machines that use gas such as generators.
In areas that are enclosed, small carbon monoxide leaks can rise to dangerous and deadly levels pretty fast. Because you cannot see, smell or taste the poison, it can kill you without putting up a fight.
In the US, an average of 170 people die every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands are treated in hospitals due to exposure to smaller, non -lethal amounts of the gas. In the UK, carbon monoxide poisoning leads to about 50 deaths in England and Wales alone. The numbers especially rise during winter, when home owners use gas appliances like heaters more than any other time of the year.
How To Handle A Carbon Monoxide Leak
It is important for every home owner to have the basic know -how on how to handle a carbon monoxide leak.
The best tip is to get a carbon monoxide detector installed. This device will be installed in your home and will detect of there is carbon monoxide in the air. It is best if you get one for each room in your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, tiredness and a feeling of sickness. These can easily be confused as symptoms of flu or food poisoning. It is always best to see a doctor right away.
If the carbon monoxide detector in your home goes off, or at any point you suspect a leak, call a Registered Gas Safe engineer right away. And then, evacuate yourself and your family from your home.
RJ Gas Heating Services has a team of experienced and Registered Gas Safe engineers who know how to handle a carbon monoxide leak.
