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Every home needs a carbon monoxide detector
(Copley News Service Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)More than 500 Americans die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Many of these deaths occur during the winter months, often during power outages, when people are desperate to keep themselves warm.
The deadly poison carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels, such as those used in gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns and gas ranges. It is also created by burning charcoal and wood.
When power outages occur during winter storms, it is not uncommon for people to use alternative sources of fuel for heating. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in their homes, garages or campers and poison the people and animals inside.
The CDC recommends that you never use generators, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper - or even outside near an open window.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, home-safety experts recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in your house and checking its batteries twice a year, in the fall when you roll your clocks back for daylight saving time, and in the spring when you roll them ahead to return to standard time.
If you are too cold or you need to prepare food during a blackout, avoid putting yourself and your family at risk. Look to friends or a community shelter for help. If you must use an alternative source of fuel or electricity, be sure to use it only outside and away from open windows.
The CDC lists the following symptoms as indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
People who are asleep or have been drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms. If you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, consult a health care professional right away.
IMPORTANT TIPS
- Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
- Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern or portable camping stove inside a home, tent or camper.
- Never run a generator, pressure washer or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
- Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
- Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window or door where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
- Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
MORE ON HEATING
With costs of heating homes expected to go up this winter, and stay there, many of us might be tempted to turn down our thermostats in an effort to pinch pennies.
However, for the very young and very old that might be a case of being penny wise but pound foolish.
For most people, lowering the thermostat means a slightly chilly home, but for the elderly, it could bring serious health implications, including hypothermia, said Dr. Lee A. Green, associate professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.
"There's both myth and truth to the idea that living in a colder house can cause health implications," he said. "For most healthy adults and children, it's not a problem. However, extreme temperatures can be harmful to babies, the elderly and even middle-aged adults with chronic diseases."
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
It only takes a slight drop in home temperature to impact the health of an elderly adult. That's because as we age, our bodies produce less heat and it becomes more difficult to regulate body temperature.
So even a relatively mild indoor temperature - 60 degrees, for example - can put elderly adults at risk for hypothermia, especially if they are not wearing warm clothing and are unaware of the signs of hypothermia.
"People think of hypothermia as something that happens in the bitter cold and blizzards. It actually doesn't have to be very cold for a person to get hypothermia," Green said.
Hypothermia most often occurs when body temperatures gradually drop from 98.6 degrees to below 97.5 degrees due to increased exposure to cold. Unfortunately, the signs of hypothermia are subtle and slow, making it especially difficult for elderly adults to recognize.
Hypothermia can cause dehydration, confusion and an irregular heart beat. If untreated, hypothermia can result in a coma or even death. What's more, people taking medication are at an increased risk for dehydration from hypothermia, Green said.
PREVENTION
Hypothermia is best prevented by being prepared and dressing appropriately. It is important to wear several layers of clothes over one another rather than wearing a single, thick layer.
The best layers are those that provide good insulation and keep moisture away from the skin. Materials that do this include polypropylene, polyesters and wool.
It is important to wear an outer garment that is waterproof but will also "breathe." Wearing a hat is also important.
To prevent hypothermia, the University of Michigan Health System recommends following these safety guidelines:
- Carry proper clothing in a backpack so you are prepared for bad weather.
- Avoid beginning an outing too late in the day when weather could suddenly change.
- Take off clothing when it gets wet and put on warm, dry clothes.
- Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. People who get hypothermia are often dehydrated.
E-mail Ven Griva at ven.griva@copleynews.com or write to P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112.
Copyright 2006 Copley News Service
Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.
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