Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment

Three affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in Wheaton

Three people in Wheaton were taken to a hospital Saturday evening with minor symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.

The three were sitting inside a home on Andrews Street when they became ill with carbon monoxide poisoning after 6 p.m., said fire spokesman Asst. Chief Scott Graham. Paramedics transferred them to a local hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.

Fire officials determined the cause of the incident came from fumes from a pressure washer used outside the home near an open window, Graham said.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dull headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

nnourmohammadi@gazette.

Carbon Monoxide submitted by Jackie Doornik — Southland Properties ...

By Jackie Doonik

As of July 1, 2011 the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill – SB 183 will require all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide detectors within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildngs, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Prevent CO Poisoning

Play it Safe – If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning: GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.

Safety Tips Follow these guidelines to help keep your family safer. Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement. The CO alarm can warn you if too much CO is in your home. DO have your fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves – inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked. DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

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