Saturday, December 25, 2010

Carbon Monoxide, A Very Real Danger

By Peter Chavez


It's been mentioned many times over how carbon monoxide presents a huge danger to the family's health and safety. As long as fossil fuels continue to be in use, the adage of being careful cannot be emphasized enough. Let's face it, carbon monoxide gas will always be present as long as we continue to use our automobiles, heating equipments, and other household appliances.

As a very dangerous gas, carbon monoxide poisoning is enough to give anyone cause for concern. The gas itself is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and absolutely lethal. There have been too many cases of illnesses and death caused by exposure to the said gas and there will continue to be more. Moderate exposure has the capacity to cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches and nausea but large amounts are enough to kill within minutes.

The effects of carbon monoxide are lethal indeed but here are some simple guidelines that can be used to prevent unwanted harm caused by the said gas. Vehicles should be either shut off or placed outside while idling. It is a very dangerous practice to leave them running inside a garage. Avoid using a generator indoors or in any other enclosed space where proper air circulation is questionable.

While indoors, don't let your guard down because carbon monoxide can be present there as well. Any household appliance that requires gas or other fossil fuels should undergo regular maintenance to ensure that it doesn't become a cause for gas leaks. Most cases of carbon monoxide poisoning occur because people have not been careful or have been blindly ignorant of the harmful effects of exposure to this gas in the home.

Undertaking major renovations or the building of a new home is a good opportunity to start things right. Make sure to include detailed plans on the proper setup of the air ventilation system, the heating and cooling systems, and even the plumbing. This will guarantee that the risks of potentially harmful gases entering into the home can be avoided right at the beginning.

Some places like the homes and establishments in Bridgeville, have been active in the use of gas detection devices as a means of security from carbon monoxide exposure. Other states have not yet made this a requirement but it wouldn't hurt to follow suit as the former. Besides, one can never go wrong in keeping the family safe from harm. The installation of these types of devices can be a worthwhile investment.

It is important to consider that besides carbon monoxide, there are yet other dangerous gases that can be present inside the house. Combustible gases inside the house are as much of a danger as carbon monoxide. Yearly plumbing reviews undertaken by trained professionals help to maintain the safety and security of the home from unwanted gas leaks. They can also be called upon to assist in the installation of modern gas detectors. These devices are customized to detect carbon monoxide and other lethal gases. Choose one that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.

In summary, gases and the hazards they present are a normal part of modern living. With this fact in mind, it is but a simple matter of knowing how to adjust and minimize the harmful effects that these gases can bring to the family. A combination of common sense, preventive knowledge and proper maintenance of the household will do wonders in keeping everything in proper order for many years to come.




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