Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer

 

 

Carbon monoxide is often called a silent killer because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it and yet it can kill quickly with few warning signs. In England around 400 people each year are admitted to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning and there are around 40 deaths. It can also lead to permanent brain damage.

 

Any home that has gas appliances is at risk from the dangers of carbon monoxide and so it’s important for all householders to be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and know how to prevent this harmful gas from occurring.

 

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous substance that occurs when gas appliances are not working as intended. The problems can be caused by gas appliances that have not been fitted correctly or have not been repaired or maintained properly. If flues, chimneys or air vents are blocked, this can also cause carbon monoxide to occur.

 

It’s important that all your gas appliances are regularly serviced by a registered gas engineer to ensure that they are safe. You should also invest in carbon monoxide detectors for your home which will give you a warning if carbon monoxide occurs. Choose one that emits a noise when carbon monoxide is present – rather than ones that simply change colour as you might not notice this until it’s too late.

 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by breathing in the toxic gas – even in very small amounts. The carbon monoxide enters the blood stream and stops red blood cells from carrying oxygen. This lack of oxygen can kill quickly or can be very harmful to health when experienced over a longer period.

 

There are a number of symptoms which could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning. These include headaches, nausea, breathlessness and dizziness. If you notice that these symptoms occur when you are in the house or they get worse when you are at home it could be a sign of poisoning. However, it’s important to remember that many people die from carbon monoxide poisoning without noticing any symptoms so even if you feel well, it’s sensible to make sure your gas appliances are serviced regularly.

 

It’s important to remember that it’s not just gas appliances that can be a danger. Other forms of heating around the house such as wood burning fires can also create carbon monoxide, so even if you do not use gas, it’s worth investing in a carbon monoxide detector. Some people have even become unwell after using equipment such as camping stoves in enclosed spaces.

 

So remember – to keep you and your family safe from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Fit a good quality carbon monoxide detector with an alarm


• Ensure gas appliances are serviced regularly


• Replace faulty appliances


• Be aware of the symptoms but don’t rely on them as an early warning of poisoning


• Ensure you have adequate ventilation around cooking and heating appliances

 

If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, it’s important to get fresh air and medical advice as soon as possible. Do not re-enter the building until it has been checked and approved by a qualified professional.

 

For more information about carbon monoxide, visit: www.carbonmonoxidekills.org.uk

Categories: carbon, carbon monoxide, gas appliances, monoxide, monoxide detector, monoxide poisoning, nbsp, nbsp carbon, serviced regularly

What Could Be Causing Your Lung Problem?

There are a number of reasons why you can develop lung problems, from developing asthma to dust and chemical irritants. In fact, airborne irritants can even cause asthma. Then there is the outdoor problems – toxic car fumes, secondhand smoke and toxins in the air can all lead to coughing and wheezing, particularly if you already have respiratory problems. There are some lesser known irritants though that can exacerbate your problems – here is a list of the less common triggers that could be affecting you from your everyday lifestyle.

Fireworks

There have been a number of reports over the years that fireworks can cause asthma attacks, with one particularly worrying incident in 2000 stating that a 9 year old girl with mild asthma suffered a severe attack and died, after playing with sparklers at a picnic on the Fourth of July. When lit, the ever-popular Roman Candles, bottle rockets and sparklers release a number of chemicals which include sulphur dioxide. This can make asthma worse when it’s inhales, particularly in concentrated amounts. And it can get worse if you attend large-scale firework displays, as the smoky fallout can contain barium aerosols, which it has been suggested can make asthma worse.

Air bags

Studies have shown that asthmatics who stay in their cars after a crash are likely to suffer attacks, as the aerosol compounds which are released into the cabin when the airbag inflates act as an irritant.

Flour

Love to bake? It could be causing your lung troubles! When inhaled in large quantities, flour dust can irritate the lungs so much that there is actually a term for it – baker’s asthma. This is actually one of the most common forms of work-related asthma, and there are many professional bakers who have been known to develop asthma due to an allergy to wheat flour.

Gas appliances

The byproduct of gas appliances, nitrogen dioxide, has been connected to asthma symptoms in children, according to a 2008 study. Researchers found that children who lived in homes with higher levels of NO2 were more likely to cough, wheeze and suffer from tight chests. Even with just small amounts emitted from stoves, fireplaces and heaters, this byproduct can aggravate asthma.

Candles

If you love to burn candles of an evening in your home, you’re probably blissfully unaware of the effects that it has on your respiratory system. A study carried out at the South Carolina State University found that paraffin-based candles, which are the most popular form, emit in toluene and benzene. However, beeswax and soybean candles don’t emit these chemicals. You won’t be at risk if you decide to light the odd candle during a romantic meal or while you’re having a bath, but if you don’t ventilate the area you may find that your asthma symptoms worsen.

Printers

A lesser known trigger, laser printers and photocopiers actually emit ultrafine particles which make your symptoms worse. In 2009, an account from a 62 year old woman who began coughing and wheezing at work was published. Her job was selling lottery tickets in a small kiosk, and it was found that the ink used in the ticket printer was making her ill. Once she stopped working in the kiosk, her symptoms gradually disappeared. If you work in an admin job where you are dealing with printers and copiers a lot, you may find that your asthma symptoms are worse during the times when you’re dealing with this equipment.

Categories: Asthma, asthma symptoms, asthma worse, Breathing, candles, gas appliances, lung, problems, Symptoms, worse