Picture a silent intruder creeping into your body. It evades your defenses, overpowers the life-giving oxygen in your blood, and leaves you with immediate and lasting damage.
Carbon monoxide – an odorless and tasteless gas that can lurk within your home — is a subtle menace that can be life-threatening if misunderstood.
At Empire Heating & Air, we consider it our mission to not only ensure you get the ultimate comfort but also to shed light on the dangers in your home. There are many myths surrounding carbon monoxide; the first step to ensuring your family stays safe is a little education.
Separating Carbon Monoxide Fact from Fiction
See how many of the following myths you have heard about carbon monoxide… and let us set the record straight:
- Myth: Carbon monoxide has a smell and taste.
Fact: It’s as invisible as air, without taste or scent. What you might catch a whiff of are the byproducts of burning fuel. - Myth: Only burning appliances produce carbon monoxide.
Fact: Surprisingly, the air you breathe contains this gas. In small amounts, it’s even essential for the body! - Myth: Treat carbon monoxide detectors like smoke alarms.
Fact: Unlike smoke that rises, carbon monoxide is the same weight as air. That’s why detectors can sit at floor level. You should always check your detectors once a month and replace them every 8-10 years. - Myth: Carbon monoxide detectors often cry wolf.
Fact: Early models might have, but newer tech sounds the alarm only when danger is present. - Myth: You should handle a carbon monoxide emergency the same way you would a fire.
Fact: Fires blaze quickly, while carbon monoxide issues are often a slow burn – think of a tiny leak growing over time. - Myth: If there’s carbon monoxide, I’ll sense it.
Fact: It’s sneakier than you think, often showing up as flu-like symptoms.
Medical Impacts of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide builds up in your blood as oxygen in your red blood cells is slowly replaced by this silent killer. As your body suffers from carbon monoxide poisoning, you face serious issues, damage, and death.
When carbon monoxide dons its malevolent cloak, the organs most susceptible to its damage are your brain and heart. You may suffer symptoms such as:
- Intense headaches
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
Even after recovering from carbon monoxide poisoning, you might not be out of the woods. The ghost of its presence might haunt you with symptoms such as memory loss, drastic personality changes, and troubling movement problems.
People who are asleep, drugged, or drunk are more likely to succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning. Before anyone even realizes there is danger, brain damage can occur.
Guarding Your Home Against Carbon Monoxide
So now, you’re probably asking yourself how to guard your home against this invisible assassin. Let us lay out a game plan:
- Set up carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home, especially in areas where your family sleeps. Keep these detectors free from obstructions.
- Hit that test button monthly. Even the best equipment needs to be checked routinely.
- Carbon monoxide detectors have expiration dates. You should replace them every 8-10 years.
- If that alarm bell sounds, take it seriously. Dial 911 and stay out of the house until the coast is clear.
- Here’s a bonus tip: Never let cars idle in garages, and avoid using charcoal grills indoors. You might as well invite the enemy over for dinner and dessert!
With the right knowledge, precautions, and regular appliance check-ups – like those offered by Empire Heating & Air – you can keep this danger at bay. Remember, every fortress needs its defenses. Let us fortify yours. Contact us today at (682) 233-3367.