Many families never think about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Although it’s often overlooked, this is a very serious safety concern for the whole family.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can, in some cases, cause brain damage or death, and it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you can’t detect it. Carbon monoxide exposure from combustion appliances like your water heater, furnace, and fireplace is cumulative. Since adults have a larger body mass than children, they may not be aware of the existence of CO in the home. However, a smaller mass like a baby, child, or pet would be more susceptible to this poisoning. This particular poisoning is hard to diagnose at home because the symptoms — such as headache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and disorientation — mimic the flu or stomach virus. Exposure to CO and the flu share the same season, so one could easily confuse the symptoms.
Pregnant mothers and their fetuses, as well as babies, are at a higher risk of CO poisoning than their larger siblings, since a fetus’s blood cell development makes them more susceptible to carbon monoxide's effects. Infants, of course, can’t communicate the symptoms easily, making it difficult to diagnose.
CO poisoning can be chronic, like a partially blocked exhaust or small crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger. It can also be acute, such as a full back-up of fumes into the home or a disconnected flue in the home.
What should be done to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Get your combustion appliances inspected annually for safety, especially if they are more than 12 years old. Place CO detectors in the hallways near each bedroom, and install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace the batteries twice a year and replace the CO detectors as directed by the manufacturer. Many CO detectors become ineffective around five years after they’ve been installed.
Susan Nichol is the CEO of Cold Craft, a full-service heating and air conditioning company in San Jose, California.
