PROTECT LOVED ONES FROM THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE DURING COLD WEATHER

During the winter months, Delawareans may assume that any dizziness, headaches and fatigue they experience are caused by a bug going around. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, can also cause these symptoms, along with nausea, vomiting, chest pain and disorientation. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year carbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 400 lives nationwide and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

"Carbon monoxide's symptoms can make people feel too sick to move to safety," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). "That's why it's important to have a detector in your home that can provide an early warning for you to leave."

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels burn. Improperly functioning or inadequately ventilated heating systems, stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, cars, small gasoline engines and outdoor equipment can cause carbon monoxide to build up rapidly indoors. At high levels, such as occur when running a car or other engine in a closed garage, carbon monoxide can be rapidly fatal. Children, elderly, smokers, people with heart and respiratory disease, and those with increased oxygen needs due to fever, hyperthyroidism or pregnancy are considered most susceptible. Carbon monoxide poisoning in pregnant women can cause birth defects.

"It's important to pay attention to small children and pets in the house. They are usually the first ones to become susceptible to the fumes," said Jerry Brennan, training administrator at the Delaware State Fire School. "If they appear to be more sleepy than usual or are not acting normally remove them to fresh air and see if their condition improves."

To stay safe, follow these recommendations:

• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the location and then call 911.
• Get a carbon monoxide detector from a local hardware store. Detectors should be installed outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances.
• Have trained professionals inspect fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces and chimneys at least once per year. Make certain that appliances are properly installed and vent fumes outside.
• Inspect chimney, flue and fireplace before use. Correct loose or damaged masonry, rusting or water streaking on a vent or chimney, falling soot, or the presence of animals or birds in chimneys.
• Don't idle the car in the garage. Fumes can build up quickly and enter your home.
• Never use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
• Don't sleep in a room with a fuel-burning space heater. Its fumes can sicken you when you are most vulnerable.
• In a power outage, never run portable generators in the home or garage. Portable generators should always be used outside.
• Change the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors at the same time you change your smoke detectors batteries.

DPH's Healthy Homes program offers a home health hazard assessment. For more information, call (302) 744-4546 or visit www.delawarehealthyhomes.org

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.