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An aged couple from Pennsylvania perished in their house from carbon monoxide fumes from a car that was left running in their garage. Five carbon monoxide poisonings in an apartment complex in New Mexico were traced to a faulty water heater. These incidents are tragic because they could have been prevented.

First, the dangers. The term silent killer is often used to refer to carbon monoxide because it is almost unperceivable to the human faculties. It is impossible to see, feel or hear it, and in its unadulterated state, you can not smell it. Inhaling a large quantity of carbon monoxide can quickly become fatal, and even minute quantities when exposed regularly can cause alarming side effects and can even be fatal.

All appliances at home that produce heat by burning carbon rich fuels are possible sources of carbon monoxide fumes. Improperly installed and malfunctioning appliances are often the cause. It can also leak from the exhaust plumbing of these appliances. The Better Business Bureau or BBB may suggest regular maintenance of the heating system, boilers and all other heating apparatus at home. These maintenance checks should include cleaning and checking air vents and exhaust plumbing of these appliances

Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are by products of the burning process of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is the result of the combination of an oxygen atom and two carbon atoms. Presence of carbon dioxide in the air irritates the respiratory system and makes it difficult to breathe. This is also the greenhouse gas being allegedly blamed by scientists as responsible for the destruction of the planets ozone layer.

An apartment compound in New Mexico recently experienced five carbon monoxide exposure cases that pointed to a malfunctioning boiler as the source. At the same time, an old couple from Pennsylvania was found lifeless inside their home because they accidently left their car idling in the garage.

Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it is almost impossible to see, hear and smell and most of its victims are cought unaware until it is too late for them to react. It attaches itself to the blood cells impeding the supply of oxygen to the body and causes oxygen deprivation that can damage vital organs. Death can come in very little time when the level is high and long term exposure, even in small amounts can sometimes cause irreparable damage.

Indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken as flu. Most victims especially the young and the elderly experience headache, dizziness, confusion and a general feeling of weakness. Carbon monoxide is even more dangerous at night, lulling its sleeping victims to a deeper slumber.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is treatable but high levels of this gas in the blood when left undetected for a long time can result in irreversible physical and mental damage. Carbon monoxide poisonings are always tragic because it could’ve been prevented. The BBB recommends regular inspection of all heating appliances including the exhaust plumbing by a professional and installing a good quality detector can actually save lives.

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