For the Tomahawk Leader
ONEIDA COUNTY – The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) this week provided information on carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious illness and death. It can be found anywhere there are fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, wood and gas burning fireplaces, furnaces, vehicles and RVs.
“CO poisoning can occur in all seasons, not just winter,” OCHD said in a Monday, April 1 release.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”
“If you breathe in a lot of carbon monoxide, it can make you pass out or kill you,” OCHD stated. “People who are sleeping or under the influence of drugs or alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before they even have symptoms.”
OCHD said the simplest way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home, garage, RV/camper and other areas where the gas can be created.
“A detector should be installed on each level in your home, and batteries should be replaced twice a year,” OCHD stated. “A good rule of thumb to remember when to change batteries is to replace them during each spring forward/fall back time change.”
OCHD noted that fuel-burning appliances should be properly vented and serviced annually, and if you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned every year to remove debris that can cause carbon monoxide build-up.
OCHD offered several other carbon monoxide poisoning prevention tips:
- Never burn charcoal or use a camp stove indoors.
- Gas ranges or ovens should never be used as a heat source.
- Have your auto mechanic check the exhaust system of your vehicle each year. Even a small leak can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide inside your vehicle.
- Do not run your vehicle inside a garage that is attached to your home, even with the garage door open. If you have a detached garage, make sure the garage door is open if the vehicle is running.
For more information on the dangers of carbon monoxide, visit the EPA website at www.tinyurl.com/yvtpt885 or contact OCHD at 715-369-6223.