Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas commonly known as the “silent killer.” It is a gas that exits from the rear of a motor vehicle and is known to cause many deaths by intoxication in humans.
The gas itself is a borderless and highly toxic substance that is produced by machines in the presence of incomplete combustion of certain materials like firewood, natural gas stoves, charcoal, gasoline, and kerosene.
Carbon Monoxide is a Serious Threat
Carbon monoxide can be a very serious threat when it enters our home since it can build up on certain machines like water heaters, ranges, dryers, and space heaters This is especially true when these appliances fail to function the way they normally do.
When machines malfunction, they transmit this deadly gas into the air, but these appliances are not the only things responsible for passing carbon monoxide into the environment.
For example, having a poor ventilation system can also cause accumulation of the gas if exhaust outlets and chimney vents become clogged. In addition, wood-burning stoves and grills are equally responsible in the event that they are not properly vented.
Automobiles left in the “start” position inside a garage can also cause excessive discharge of carbon monoxide gas into a home.
Too Much Carbon Monoxide is Never a Safe Situation
The levels of exposure of this deadly gas that is enough to cause significant harm in human beings can vary depending on a variety of factors. These include body mass, existing diseases and illnesses, and age. All these factors determine how much carbon monoxide exposure a person can actually withstand.
Small amounts of carbon monoxide can equally cause death for someone who is extremely susceptible and sensitive to its power. People who are at immense risk of becoming a victim of carbon monoxide include, but are not limited to: unborn babies, adolescents, senior citizens, and infants.
It all depends of course, on the level and length of carbon monoxide exposure of the gas that can cause a wide variety of symptoms among a given population. In addition, there are different levels of exposure ranging from mild to absolute inhalation of the gas to the point where the victim must be rushed to the emergency room as soon as possible. This deadly gas can also predispose someone to non-deadly symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms that imitate the common cold.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can further include drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, and an elevated heart rate that is difficult to tone down. It is for this reason that carbon monoxide should be avoided at all costs.
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