By Muhammad Pathan, MD, Covenant Clinic Dysart

You can’t see it or smell it, but if you are exposed to high levels of it you could die in minutes. I’m talking about “Carbon Monoxide” or (CO). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. Appliances that are properly maintained such as your furnace at home do not produce hazardous CO amounts. However, the EPA states if you idle your car to close to your home or your appliances are not maintained or used incorrectly dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can result. Hundreds of people die accidently every year from CO poisoning, which can be diagnosed with a blood test taken in the emergency room soon after exposure. Fetuses, infants, elderly people and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease are especially at risk, but truly it can affect anyone. Some symptoms you or your family can look for include severe headaches, becoming dizzy, being mentally confused, nauseated or faint. Low levels of CO poisoning can cause mild headaches, shortness of breath and mild nausea.

For prevention tips, advice and what to look for when buying a CO Detector please go to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at www.epa.gov. It has some excellent dos and don’ts to follow regarding the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. For instance, do have your fuel burning appliances inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season and don’t use a gas oven to heat your home even for a short time.

Remember if you feel you have any of the above symptoms contact your provider or if you feel it is life-threatening call 911 or go the nearest emergency room.