Making your home as safe as possible is likely one of your top priorities. You might think that installing an alarm system or using organic cleaners is enough, but what about the “silent killer” that is carbon monoxide (or CO gas).
At least 430 people in the U.S. die every year, 50,000 visit the ER and many others feel fatigued and unwell from this colorless, odorless gas. Therefore, we are sharing an overview of carbon monoxide to help you identify signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your home. Learn what you should check in your home if you feel unwell.
Why is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fire. Specifically, CO gas is created when gas, wood, or charcoal fires burn in small spaces.
As a result of fire, oxygen is naturally removed from the atmosphere and replaced with carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause simple to severe symptoms. These are some of the most common, milder symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fatigue
The effects of CO gas poisoning can also be long-term. Prolonged exposure to CO gas can damage the brain, causing memory and concentration problems. A permanent loss of vision or hearing can also result from it.
Carbon monoxide can cause these symptoms in your home, so do not wait to call emergency services if you suspect there is a leak of CO gas in your house. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be treated easily, but the patient needs to get to the doctor as soon as possible.
Home Items To Check If You Feel Unwell:
Older Gas Grill
Natural gas has no odor or color in its natural state. Chemicals called odorants are used by gas companies to make natural gas smell like sulfur or rotting eggs to make gas leaks easier to detect. An older gas grill is more likely to start breaking down or have a leak so be vigilant to pay closer attention to any strange smells. Gas Grills should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Pipes and Appliances
A large gas leak in pipes or appliances can produce hissing noises even when the appliance is turned off. Listen for hissing noises coming from pipes and appliances regularly.
You should also check for air bubbles in ground water outside your home. It is possible for natural gas to leak from underground pipes outside the house. Standing water, such as puddles and mud, may contain bubbles caused by natural gas dispersing through the soil.
Dead Or Dying Plants
Dead, dying or stunted plants can be a sign of a natural gas leak. Natural gas can cause plants to wilt because their roots cannot absorb oxygen. Leaks can also cause yellow patches of grass,or cause trees to have smaller leaves than usual.
Gas Furnace
A natural gas leak can be detected by an increase in the amount of natural gas your home uses. Gas furnaces usually use more natural gas during the winter months, but unexplained increases might indicate a leak.
Other Common Gas-Powered Appliances
Carbon monoxide gas can be produced from other fuel-fired sources besides incorrectly installed or vented furnaces, including but not limited to:
- Vehicles running in an attached garage
- Gas clothes dryers
- Gas ranges and stoves
- Wood-burning stoves
- Portable fuel-burning appliance such as space heaters
- Gas water heaters
- Fireplaces
There is usually a pilot light on these appliances, so make sure you check that as well. A pilot light should have a small, blue flame with a yellow tip if it is present. The manufacturer should be contacted if the pilot light is abnormal or missing on an appliance.
Tests for indoor air quality and improvement, including carbon monoxide testing, can be performed by private companies.
Are you still worried about CO Gas? Call the Pacific Aire Experts for a safety inspection or for more information about our heating replacement services. Reach us at 805-737-2564 or visit https://bit.ly/pacaire_heating_replacement
