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Carbon Monoxide and Your Home Heating System |
Carbon Monoxide
(CO) is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless and
tasteless. Prevention is the best way to protect against CO
poisoning in the home. Delta recommends an annual inspection of
furnaces and other home heating equipment by a qualified service
person to ensure that they are properly maintained and vented.
CO results from the incomplete combustion of organic
materials that contain molecules of carbon. These materials
include such common fuels as natural gas, coal, wood, charcoal,
gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel and heating oil. When CO is
breathed into the body it attaches itself to the hemoglobin in
the bloodstream and prevents the blood from absorbing oxygen. A
person exposed to high levels of CO may complain of dizziness,
headache, nausea, sleepiness and similar symptoms. CO symptoms
can mimic those of the flu. In extreme cases, CO poisoning can
be fatal.
Consumers who want an additional measure of protection should
select a CO alarm that is certified to National Underwriters
Laboratories standards as well as the supplemental requirements
issued by International Approval Services. |
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