Detroit Fire Dept. Warns of Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
1/23/2013 - Carbon monoxide poisoning in the home during the winter months has proven to be deadly. The Detroit Fire Department urges residents to be aware of the hazards of this “silent killer" and to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a clear, odorless gas that is poisonous to humans and pets. Defective furnaces, fireplace flues, oil heaters and generators have long been the primary cause of accidental CO poisoning. It is important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. More importantly, residents are warned to never use a generator inside homes, garages, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
“Taking precautions, such as practicing a home escape plan and installing smoke and CO alarms, are integral to preventing injuries and deaths,” said Captain Dale Bradley from the Detroit Fire Department Community Relations Division.
There are various levels of carbon monoxide exposure:
- For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 50 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over an eight-hour period. When the level of CO becomes higher than that, a person will experience symptoms of exposure listed below.
- Mild exposure over a few hours (a CO level between 70 ppm and 100 ppm) include flu-like symptoms such as headaches, sore eyes and a runny nose.
- Medium exposure (a CO level between 150 ppm to 300 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting. Extreme exposure (a CO level of 400 ppm and higher) will result in unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
The Detroit Fire Department recommends the following life safety precautions:
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home, and in or near each sleeping area.
- Keep the detectors at least 20 feet from any fuel burning appliances and at least 10 feet from high humidity locations like bathrooms and kitchens. If the alarm sounds, call a professional to check your gas burning appliances.
If carbon monoxide is suspected, take the following steps immediately:
- Evacuate
- Get everyone to fresh air
- Call 9-1-1 from another location
- Report it to the fire department, even if everyone is felling better
For more information, contact the Fire Marshal Division’s Public Instruction Section at (313) 596-2968.