MichCon Offers Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
December 19 2006 - 9:57AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- You can't see, smell or taste
carbon monoxide, but at high levels, carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced during the burning of fuels such
as natural gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. If fuel-burning
appliances such as furnaces or gas stoves are maintained and used
properly, the amount of CO produced is not dangerous. However, if
appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly,
dangerous levels of CO can result, starving the body of the oxygen
necessary to survive. MichCon reminds customers there are things
you can do to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide: * Install a
carbon monoxide detector in your home, preferably near your
sleeping quarters. Additional detectors are recommended on multiple
levels and near potential carbon monoxide-producing appliances such
as furnaces and water heaters. * Check gas furnaces and other
fuel-burning appliances to ensure they are properly installed,
vented and maintained, as well as that they are operating properly.
* Have a professional maintenance check of your furnace and other
fuel- burning appliances annually. * Make sure flues and chimneys
are connected, in good condition and clear of debris. * Never sleep
in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater. * Never
use a gas range to heat your home. * Never operate a vehicle, lawn
mower or grill in a closed garage. * Be aware of the symptoms of
exposure to carbon monoxide and do not ignore them, particularly if
they are being experienced by more than one person in the
household. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to
those of the common cold or flu. They include headaches, nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue. Aside from
the physical symptoms, there are other warning signs that CO may be
present. If the flame on natural gas appliances is yellow and
creating soot, it's a sign that the fuel isn't burning completely.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, immediately open doors
and windows, and get out of the house into fresh air. If necessary,
seek medical attention. MichCon customers may contact the utility
at 1-800-556-0011 or any local heating contractor to schedule a CO
inspection. DATASOURCE: MichCon CONTACT: Scott Simons,
+1-313-235-8808, or Lorie N. Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both of
MichCon Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/
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