“Have the courage to face a difficulty lest it kick you harder than you bargain for.” Stanislaus I (1677-1766, bio link)
When carbon monoxide invades our bodies
The hemoglobin within our blood carries oxygen to every cell in our body. With a good diet, fresh air and working parts, a human has an ability to maintain equilibrium and a healthy metabolism.
Quite simply, carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from being used by the body. Every part of the body needs oxygen. If carbon monoxide is in the air breathed it takes the place of oxygen as it transfers to the hemoglobin in blood through the respiratory system.
The higher the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air the more rapid the oxygen displacement and an immediately hazardous to life condition can exist. Lower chronic exposures may result in symptoms not recognized as mild CO poisoning.
This displacement of oxygen in blood begins a process that generates a free radical or a disassociated molecule reaction. At lower poisonous levels the symptoms might be slower reaction time, weak muscular movement & dexterity, hampered visual focus, headache or nausea and may be immediate symptoms or poisonous enough to cause heart stresses in compensation for the loss of oxygen. CO poisoning has the potential of harming your central nervous system because of the disruption of oxygen delivery.
We are not all of equal health so it is vital we all have gainful knowledge about the health effects and the symptoms of CO poisoning. Do you know what your baseline carboxyhemoglobin level is? Perhaps, if you have lingering symptoms without relief, ask your health care provider about the health effects of carbon monoxide exposure and seek testing. It does not have to be a painful test; it can be non-invasive. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News Links
Mentor family sues over alleged carbon monoxide poisoning
News-Herald.com
Anderson did not properly install the furnace, resulting in high levels of carbon monoxide which were leaked through the combustion chamber and/or flue-gas pathway. * The day after installation, water began leaking from the furnace. Anderson performed ...
Prince George's County law to require carbon monoxide
The Gazette
A wave of housing changes are on the horizon for those seeking to sell or buy a home after the Prince George's County Council passed two pieces of legislation ...
· Heart Rescue Now This link takes you to a very short video that is a practical demonstration on the proper usage of an AED. This video is tastefully done & demonstrates the step-by-step way one might be able to save a life.
· Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.
· Carbon Monoxide Survivor A website made by poisoning survivors that brings a view that can only come from those that know what it is like to have been poisoned - as well as live with the long term impact.
· Consider low level protection for carbon monoxide and smoldering fire detection problems; don't leave anyone behind.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-five U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia
Google Maps to reference the locations referenced in these Internet headlines.
The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece Instruments
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
