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Snow Dangers
Carbon Monoxide

Snow storms not only make driving conditions dangerous, but can present a danger to you and your family as well. Drifting snow can partially block chimneys, flues and vents - including the air intake/exhaust system of furnaces and hot water heaters.

If this happens, these fuel-fired appliances can malfunction and allow Carbon Dioxide levels to increase to dangerous, and sometimes fatal levels.

Perform a visual inspection as soon as possible after a heavy snowfall to determine if winds have caused drifting near the exhaust system outlet. If it is possible, brush snow away from these vents. If you cannot clear the obstruction, don't wait for the snow to melt ... call your local fire department for assistance.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fuel.

During normal combustion, each atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen - forming a harmless gas called carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure complete combustion of the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom of oxygen - forming carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide interferes with the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. Once in the lungs, Carbon Monoxide quickly passes into the bloodstream and attaches itself to hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells). Hemoglobin readily accepts carbon monoxide as much as 200 times as readily as oxygen, forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).

By replacing oxygen with carbon monoxide in our blood, our bodies poison themselves by cutting off the needed oxygen to our organs and cells, causing various amounts of damage - depending on exposure.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. 1,500 people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention.

Danger Signs
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning (with COHb levels of 10%) result in symptoms commonly mistaken for common flu and cold symptoms - shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches, nausea, grogginess, lethargy, and inappropriate tiredness,.

As the levels increase (COHb levels of 30%) the symptoms become more severe - dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, fainting on mild exertion.

High levels (CHOb of 50% or more) produce unconsciousness and death.

If you experience any of the symptoms noted above: (Grogginess, lethargy, inappropriate tiredness, or flu-like symptoms) get out of the house and get fresh air immediately.

If your Carbon Monoxide monitor sounds an alarm, open your windows and leave the house. If you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, call 911 from your neighbor's home. You may need medical attention for Carbon Monoxide poisoning..

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