by Laith Hamid
Laith.hamid@home-security-solutions.com
Home Security Columnist

Carbon monoxide poisoning claims over a hundred victims every year, yet you can't touch, smell, or even see carbon monoxide gas. By knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and taking a few easy steps, you can breathe easier.

Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless. The gas can be given off when fossil fuels--oil, gas, coal and wood--are not burned properly. Incomplete burning can result from inadequate ventilation or a poorly maintained or damaged fuel-burning appliance. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be emitted under these circumstances and can cause death.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Look out for the following symptoms which may indicate that there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air you're breathing:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Lack of coordination

At higher levels, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause chest pains, coma, and unconsciousness.

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide gas

Follow these simple steps and you will be going a long way to help protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Get your fuel-burning appliances checked out regularly by a qualified professional.
• Buy a carbon monoxide detector. These cheap and easy-to-install devices detect monoxide gas before it can build up to dangerous levels and cause poisoning.
• Clear away all ventilation points from obstructions.

Don't forget that you need to be on your guard for carbon monoxide gas anyplace that has a fuel burning appliance. But by recognizing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and following these simple steps, you can breathe easy.

Sources:

• http://www.aga.org/Template.cfm?Section=News1&template=
  /ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=12675
  
• http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com

About the Author
Laith Hamid works for a government agency researching and visiting registered charities in the UK to advise on legislative compliance, governance and best practice. His previous experience includes governmental audit work, water engineering consultancy and customer services within the retail banking sector. Laith graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Civil Engineering, with special emphasis on Environmental and Water Engineering.