Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or even death. Small gasoline engines, vehicles, stoves, heating systems, gas ranges and the burning of charcoal and wood all produce CO. In enclosed or semi-enclosed places, CO can build up from these sources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 Americans die each year from CO poisoning. More than 20,000 are required to visit the emergency room and about 4,000 have to be hospitalized.
Breathing in CO can poison any person or animal that are found in enclosed spaces. Common symptoms of CO poisoning include weakness, dizziness, headache, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and confusion. Inhaling higher levels of CO may cause loss of consciousness and death. People who are intoxicated or sleeping may die from this form of poisoning even before experiencing the symptoms. The reason it can result in death is because it causes severe tissue damage when inhaled.
You can prevent CO poisoning in a number of ways. In your home, have your water heater or heating system serviced by a technician every year. This also applies to any other oil, gas or coal-burning appliance. Avoid using portable flameless chemical heaters indoors. Even though these types of heaters don’t have an actual flame, they still burn gas and can cause CO buildup inside your home, camper or cabin. If you smell an odor coming from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit, it could not only be defected but be spreading CO. Never leave a car running in a garage, even if you have the garage door open. So many CO-related deaths have occurred from people leaving the car on in the garage for extended periods of time.
In the colder seasons, don’t use your gas oven to heat your home, even if it’s just for a short time. This is tempting and may seem like a good idea, but your home is still an enclosed space. If you’re going to use a charcoal grill, make sure it is not used indoors. Also, any gasoline-powered engines like weed trimmers, mowers, snow blowers or chain saws should not be used in enclosed spaces, either.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
