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Newark, N.J.– As
the weather becomes colder, the threat of carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning greatly increases. According to the Consumer Product
Safety Commission, about 170 people die each year in the United
States from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products such
as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, space heaters, generators and
fireplaces.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas that
can deprive the body of oxygen. It is produced by the incomplete
burning of various fuels including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene
and natural gas.
Michael Rosen, MD, Pediatric Director of the Emergency Department
at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital
of New Jersey, reports that exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide
can lead to headaches, sleepiness, fatigue, confusion and irritability
and can have long term effects on overall health. At higher levels,
it can result in nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, impaired
vision and coordination. At very high levels it can cause unconsciousness
and death.
Because these symptoms can be similar to the flu, many people
do not realize that carbon monoxide poisoning is the source of
their illness.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is very serious,” Dr. Rosen
says. “Because you cannot see or smell the gas in the air,
you do not know you are being exposed until you start to experience
symptoms. If the poisoning occurs at night while you are sleeping,
you may not even experience symptoms until it is too late.”
Dr. Rosen added that a carbon monoxide detector in the home is
vital in detecting this poison. “Every home should have at
least one CO detector. It should be considered just as important
as a smoke detector and the batteries should be checked regularly.”
If you suspect that high levels of carbon monoxide are present
in your home, you should get fresh air immediately.
“Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances,
and leave the house,” Dr. Rosen says. “Then patients
should go directly to an emergency room. Tell the physician you
suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often
be diagnosed by a simple blood test done soon after exposure.”
The more prolonged the exposure to CO is, the more detrimental
the poisoning will be. Carbon monoxide exposures especially affect
unborn babies, infants and people with anemia or a history of heart
or respiratory disease.
Follow these simple steps to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide:
- Open flues when fireplaces are in use and have the chimney
inspected and cleaned annually
- Do not idle the car inside the garage
- Never use charcoal indoors or in areas with inadequate ventilation,
including a fireplace
- Use the correct fuel in kerosene heaters
- Do not sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space
heater
- Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up central
heating systems like the furnace every year
- Make sure gas appliances have adequate ventilation so that
carbon monoxide will not accumulate
- Do not use a gas stove to heat your home – even for a
short period of time
Most importantly, do not ignore symptoms, particularly if more
than one person in the home is experiencing them. “You
could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing,” Dr.
Rosen adds. If you suspect life-threatening problems due to carbon
monoxide poisoning, always call 9-1-1.
About CHNJ
Children's Hospital of New Jersey, located at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center and part of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System,
is the state's premier hospital caring for children, with specialized
services to treat ill and injured children from newborn to adolescent
years as well as preventive programs that promote wellness in the
community. For a referral to a pediatrician or pediatric specialist,
please call 1-888-724-7123. Follow us on Twitter: get real time
news from the Saint Barnabas Health Care System at www.twitter.com/barnabas_health .
Date: December 14, 2009
Contact: Beth Salamon
Public Relations Department
Saint Barnabas Health Care System
973-322-4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
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