Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly--Early Detection Monitors Make It Easy to Protect Your Family
If you burn gas, kerosene, or wood in your home to produce
heat for cooking or warmth, you need to monitor the level of
carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can easily
build up to dangerous levels. Ordinary carbon monoxide
detectors don't sound an alarm until certain levels of
carbon monoxide accumulate in the air. New monitors show the
amount of carbon dioxide in the air at any given time, so
you can take action well before levels reach the danger
zone. HOW CARBON MONOXIDE GETS INTO THE AIR IN YOUR HOME Carbon monoxide is the major toxic combustion by-product
that is created when gas, kerosene, or wood is burned to
produce heat for cooking or warmth. Other combustion
by-products include formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur
dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitric acid, and vapors from
various organic chemicals. Carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products are
produced when fuels do not burn completely. All fuel-burning
appliances need air for the fuel to burn efficiently. When a
generous supply of fresh air is available and the fuel is
burning properly, there is little danger of poisoning. But
when there is inadequate ventilation or the appliance is not
operating properly, carbon monoxide is produced and can
gradually overcome and even kill an unsuspecting bystander. Many years before I was born, my grandmother almost died
from carbon monoxide seeping from her gas furnace. It was
just by chance that someone walked in and saved her. SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING It is possible to identify symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning if you know what to look for. Your body will tell
you if there is too much carbon monoxide in your home.
Different concentrations of carbon monoxide and different
exposure times cause different symptoms. Mild exposures to carbon monoxide are often confused with
the flu. Symptoms include sleepiness, slight headache,
dizziness, flushed skin, disorientation, abnormal reflexes,
blurred vision, irritablity, slight nausea, fatigue, and an
inability to concentrate. As exposure continues, mild symptoms turn into severe
throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, shortness of
breath, vomiting, and an accelerated heart rate.
Unconsciousness and convulsions are signs that cardio
respiratory failure and death are near. If you or anyone in your family experiences flu-like
symptoms and you burn gas, kerosene or wood in your home,
you should immediately evaluate if it is, in fact, early
signs of carbon monoxide exposure. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS AND ALARMS There are two types of devices that can warn you about
carbon monoxide levels in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm like a smoke
detector when carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels.
These are relatively inexpensive, but, like a smoke
detector, only warn you when carbon monoxide in your home
has already reached a level that is approaching dangerous. Carbon monoxide monitors give you an ongoing numerical
reading of the current level of carbon monoxide, and sound
an alarm when concentrations approach dangerous levels.
These cost around $50, but show you what the actual carbon
monoxide concentration is at any given time. With a monitor,
you can catch carbon monoxide leaks at low levels, and rest
assured that your family is safe. TO ELIMINATE THE THREAT OF CARBON MONOXIDE... Electric appliances do not emit combustion by-products under
normal use. If you prefer to use gas, propane, or wood, make sure
appliances are well-adjusted for a clean burn and provide
enough ventilation for combustion by-products to escape. For online sources of carbon monoxide monitors, visit
http://www.debraslist.com/air/index.html#coalarms Hailed as "The Queen of Green" by the New York Times,
Debra Lynn Dadd has been a leading consumer advocate for
products and lifestyle choices that are better for health and the
environment since 1982. Visit her website at
http://www.dld123.com to sign up for her free email newsletters
and to browse 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural and
earthwise products.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Bathroom Interior Design
Any advice or guide on the interior design of a bathroom should be based around one simple concept: keep it simple. Rooms inside of a home should have functional aspects, and if one room is designed for very specific functions, it is the bathroom. There have always been many jokes about the "throne" of a home, but the honest fact is that creating a visibly appealing and comfortable bathroom will inspire positive feelings to its users.
Mistakes?
MISTAKES.
I Need What Part?
One of the first things you learn as a homeowner is that you may own your home, but you don't actually live in it full time. You get to spend the rest of your time living in the hardware store or hardware dept of your local retail store. Unfortunately the older the home the more frequent you visit this vast place with aisles and aisles of thingies and who whos, that previously meant little more than, ''?that aisle that my dad use to get all kinds of shiny pipes, connectors, and silver and brass things." A place where he spent many hours, (and you will too), talking about stuff with strange names and even stranger looking objects'd plumbing.
Seeing the Light
Lighting
Making the Most of a Small Bathroom
In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be better ? It's all just a case of making the most of the modest proportions you're presented with! And what's more, designing a bathroom that's small on space usage but big on style and functionality should be a lot more fun.
Selling Houses: Payback of Window Treatments
If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight hours, think about your selling season, market conditions, and the benefits of window treatments. Window treatment tips from innovative Design Psychology can help you sell your home for more money.
The Advantages of Steel Buildings
Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years. Although steel buildings have been used in the commercial and industrial sectors for a long time, they are increasingly gracing the skylines of countries all over the world.
Buyers Guide To Heavy-Built Mailboxes
If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few months
due to vandals or just poor quality construction, you need
a heavy-built mailbox. Some of the more common reasons for
purchasing a heavy-built mailbox are destruction by
vandals, snowplow or street sweeper damage, or just a
poorly built mailbox that will not stand up to harsh or
extreme weather conditions. Heavy-built mailboxes are
approved by the United States Postal Service and are built
with top quality workmanship and crafting that normally
includes an excellent warranty.
Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety
A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed in your backyard. Now you are ready to invite your friends for a big splashy pool party ? or are you? Do you have all of the pool supplies you need to maintain your new fiberglass pool? Do you have the chemicals, pool toys, covers, automatic cleaners, pool heater, ladders, liners, slides, diving boards and on and on? You can see pool supplies can add up quickly. You want to be sure you have the fun toys for the kids, but the spa cover and pool alarm are necessary for safety and peace of mind. Supplies for the pool can be a very broad category. How are you going to use the pool? Do you have small kids or are you a retired couple? What kind of climate do you live in? Are you going to do the maintenance yourself or hire someone? If you are going to do a lot of the work yourself, don't become overwhelmed. There are pool cleaners that are automatic robotic styles. They make spa and pool covers that automatically cover the pool for winter or if you are gone. There is even pool equipment that controls the pool equipment so you won't have to spend too much time with upkeep and more time enjoying the water.
How to Paint Your Own Artwork - And Save Money
Everyone wants to save money. Don't you? Well, painting your own, color matched art can be a lot easier than you might think!
Laminate Flooring - Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of laminate floors is that they are made to look good for many years with a minimum of effort. Most laminates come with a 10 to 25 years residential warranty against staining, wearing and fading, depending on the brand. All you really need for cleaning are a vacuum cleaner, a dry mop and a damp towel for more difficult stains. Laminates are built to stand up to wear, but to keep them looking like new, here are a few recommendations.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes
Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission. Side extensions have an awful lot of issues that need careful consideration before submitting a scheme to the Planning Department for Planning Permission.
Geothermal Heat Pumps 101
It seems like about three million of you have asked me to explain how a geothermal system works. Well, maybe not three million, but it's a bunch of you and I'm honored that I have the opportunity to do it.
Now you've probably already figured out that I'm not smart enough to be real technical, but I do have some common sense. So I will use a common-sense approach to explain how the most efficient heating and cooling system available today can help you.
Home Office: Identifying Your Needs
Not many years ago, the thought of working from home was
considered a fantastic vision of the distant future. However,
with more and more people setting up home offices every day,
it is clear that future has arrived earlier that many expected.
5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Hardwood Floor From Disaster
Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment for a homeowner. They add a certain charm and character to a home that can't be replicated by laminates, carpeting, or any other type of flooring. However, the investment does not stop with the decision to purchase hardwoods. To retain the value, the hardwood must be properly cared for and maintained. Fortunately, with a few simple, easy, inexpensive steps, your hardwood flooring will always remain in perfect shape.
Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill
The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among professional mechanics and the hobby mechanic as well. You may be thinking "I already have a cordless drill that I use for impact applications, why do I need a cordless impact wrench as well?". I thought the same thing. The first difference is on the inside. A cordless drill creates continuous in-line torque. A cordless impact wrench employs an internal spring-loaded pulsating cam to create rotational torque. This creates the "impact" force that loosens a nut. It is the equivalent to banging a wrench with a hammer to loosen a rusty nut only a lot faster. Unlike a cordless drill - which creates continuous in-line torque, a cordless impact driver uses an internal spring-loaded pulsating cam and gear mechanism to create rotational torque or the "impact" force.
Hiring a Waterproofing Contractor
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC), consumers can take several steps to ensure they find the right contractor for their job. A leaky roof, basement or unprotected foundation can cost thousands of dollars worth of damage and significantly decrease a home's value. Finding out exactly what repairs you need and then comparing the services and costs of local contractors can save you tons of money. Finding a waterproofing contractor to fit your needs is very important.
Making Space for Sacred Space
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article, don't you think to yourself, "What a great idea! I should do more daily rituals, prayer, meditation."? It always seems like a great idea, right? We know that sacred practices and sacred space bring peace, harmony, joy, and ease into our lives. Sounds like a great idea!
Building Your Own Home
Most people think building their own home involves vast knowledge of all aspects of the home building process. The impression of most people is they don't really know enough to build their own home. Let's face it, most of us know a little about the process. Some of us may know a lot about one aspect or the other involved in building a home. You may know how to paint or do carpentry work or lay tile, but you probably don't know everything about home building.
Building or Decorating Your Home Requires House Plans
There are some things to consider when creating plans for your home. There are two situations that call for plans or blue prints, either you are building a new home or decorating your present home. The types of plans required for either situation will vary depending on the extent of
your project.
|
