Protect Your Children From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that cuts off oxygen to the brain and heart, and can cause death and neurological damage. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. These symptoms are often mistaken for the flu by parents and healthcare professionals.

The danger to infants and children is especially high because they have elevated metabolic rates and the gas accumulates in their bodies faster than in adults. Unborn babies haves a greater risk of birth defects, neurological disorders and death when the mother is exposed to carbon monoxide.

The first thing parents and caregivers should do to protect their families from carbon monoxide poisoning is to purchase CO detectors and place them in every sleeping area of the home. Because carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer, a detector could literally mean the difference between life and death.

Parents should pay close attention to the following common sources of carbon monoxide in the home:

·Install an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved carbon monoxide detector. It is estimated that CO detectors may prevent half of all CO poisoning deaths. CO detectors should be installed in every separate sleeping area and on the ceiling at last 15 feet from fuel-burning appliances.

·If the CO alarm goes off, leave the home immediately and call the fire department of your local utility company. If a family member displays symptoms of CO poisoning, seek medical attention right away.

·Ensure that space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are vented properly and inspected annually. Have your chimney cleaned each year before cold weather arrives.

·Never leave your car's engine running in the garage, particularly if your garage is attached to your home.

·Do not leave your car engine running when it is parked or covered in snow.

·Never use an oven to heat your home.

Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.