| As I prepare this article, we
have another weather forecast of ice and snow headed toward Lyon County. My
hope is that readers will be able to smile and say "we missed that one!"
Whatever the case, we’ll certainly have power outages at some point in the
future and need to recognize the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a threat anytime we use gas or other fuel-burning appliances incorrectly, or when these heat sources are improperly vented. Carbon monoxide is one of the deadliest gasses because it’s colorless and odorless. Plus, a relatively small amount of carbon monoxide released into an unventilated space can cause sickness and even death. Many people associate carbon monoxide poisoning with a car exhaust. However, carbon monoxide can be produced by incomplete combustion from any device that burns natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, kerosene, heating oil, wood or charcoal. Carbon monoxide is a potentially lethal gas that robs oxygen from the blood. Low levels can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and watery eyes. These symptoms often are associated with other illnesses. At high levels, and without medical attention, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
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Some of the newer gas space
heaters and artificial gas fireplace logs are approved for use without a
vent. Be sure these heaters and logs are installed according to the
manufacturer’s specifications. Also, be sure they have oxygen depletion
sensors to detect reduced levels of oxygen and shut off before hazardous
levels of carbon monoxide accumulate.
It’s a good idea to review the operation instructions for gas fireplace logs because some types must be used when the chimney flue is open, just as with conventional wood logs. Use kerosene heaters only in open, well ventilated areas. Never use un-vented appliances, such as a kitchen range, to heat a home. Another potential danger is to use a barbecue grill or hibachi inside the home. It’s tempting to use a grill or hibachi to cook a meal indoors during a winter power outage rather than going outside. However, this practice is very dangerous. In addition to the danger of fire or smoke, charcoal briquettes produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. Wood-burning stoves usually aren’t a problem because they are vented to the outside. When using a fireplace, avoid closing the chimney when a fire is smoldering because incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide. Don’t close the chimney flue until the fire is completely extinguished. For more information, contact the Lyon County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin. |
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You can reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning by using
fuel-burning appliances correctly and being sure they’re properly
ventilated. All fuel burning furnaces, water heaters and stoves should be
properly vented to a chimney or flue. Have vents checked to be sure they are
properly connected and that the chimney or flue is open and in good
condition. For extra protection, install an Underwriters Laboratory approved
carbon monoxide detector in or near sleeping areas.