Carbon Monoxide
One of the leading causes of fatal poisoning in the UK is carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is an odourless and tasteless but toxic gas that can be very difficult to detect with the naked eye. CO poisoning is more likely to occur in winter months when more heating and cooking equipment is used more frequently and with poor ventilation. Poorly installed cooking equipment can also emit carbon monoxide. Many older motor vehicles and gas power tools are also known for producing CO.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Any type of poisoning should be treated immediately. If you suspect that you have been exposed you should immediately leave the affected area, be calm and stay still in order to conserve as much oxygen in your blood as possible and seek treatment immediately.
CO poisoning, depending on the amount of exposure, can be treated. In more severe cases high levels of exposure may lead to a fatality. The severity of poisoning can be attributed to the affected person's age, health, and duration of exposure.
There are several symptoms associated with carbonmonoxide poisoning such as: blurred vision, confusion, vertigo, nausea, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. The most effective form of treatment is to administer pure oxygen to the affected persons. The affected persons may be treated by hyperbaric oxygen. Carbon monoxide can cause life-long effects on those who are exposed to it.
How to Prevent CO Poisoning
There are a number of ways that you can prevent carbonmonoxide poisoning. One way to prevent poisoning is to install a CO detector that is battery operated throughout your home. The batteries should be replaced twice a year at the beginning and the end of the year.
You can also prevent poisoning by not using gas powered or charcoal burning equipment in your home. The inside of your home is not properly ventilated to allow the gases to flow out of the home properly. Also, you should not leave your car running inside of a closed garage that is attached to your home. If you use your chimney regularly remember to have it checked and cleaned often to reduce the risk of carbonmonoxide build-up. You should also have a qualified and professional technician to inspect your major appliances each year.
Carbon Monoxide Claims
In 2008, four college students in Pennsylvania, USA died in their home of carbonmonoxide poisoning. The poisoning occurred due to their home's generator being improperly labeled and containing an improper warning statement. The college students were attempting to renovate a home that was owned by the grandmother of a student. Family members of the plaintiffs won $20 million in this case. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has attributed carbonmonoxide to causing nearly 500 deaths each year in the United States.
One of the leading causes of fatal poisoning in the UK is carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is an odourless and tasteless but toxic gas that can be very difficult to detect with the naked eye. CO poisoning is more likely to occur in winter months when more heating and cooking equipment is used more frequently and with poor ventilation. Poorly installed cooking equipment can also emit carbon monoxide. Many older motor vehicles and gas power tools are also known for producing CO.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Any type of poisoning should be treated immediately. If you suspect that you have been exposed you should immediately leave the affected area, be calm and stay still in order to conserve as much oxygen in your blood as possible and seek treatment immediately.
CO poisoning, depending on the amount of exposure, can be treated. In more severe cases high levels of exposure may lead to a fatality. The severity of poisoning can be attributed to the affected person's age, health, and duration of exposure.
There are several symptoms associated with carbonmonoxide poisoning such as: blurred vision, confusion, vertigo, nausea, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. The most effective form of treatment is to administer pure oxygen to the affected persons. The affected persons may be treated by hyperbaric oxygen. Carbon monoxide can cause life-long effects on those who are exposed to it.
How to Prevent CO Poisoning
There are a number of ways that you can prevent carbonmonoxide poisoning. One way to prevent poisoning is to install a CO detector that is battery operated throughout your home. The batteries should be replaced twice a year at the beginning and the end of the year.
You can also prevent poisoning by not using gas powered or charcoal burning equipment in your home. The inside of your home is not properly ventilated to allow the gases to flow out of the home properly. Also, you should not leave your car running inside of a closed garage that is attached to your home. If you use your chimney regularly remember to have it checked and cleaned often to reduce the risk of carbonmonoxide build-up. You should also have a qualified and professional technician to inspect your major appliances each year.
Carbon Monoxide Claims
In 2008, four college students in Pennsylvania, USA died in their home of carbonmonoxide poisoning. The poisoning occurred due to their home's generator being improperly labeled and containing an improper warning statement. The college students were attempting to renovate a home that was owned by the grandmother of a student. Family members of the plaintiffs won $20 million in this case. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has attributed carbonmonoxide to causing nearly 500 deaths each year in the United States.
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