{"id":2442,"date":"2017-01-10T09:00:20","date_gmt":"2017-01-10T14:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.doctorflue.com\/blog\/?p=2442"},"modified":"2017-05-23T20:29:57","modified_gmt":"2017-05-24T00:29:57","slug":"prevent-fireplace-carbon-monoxide-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.doctorflue.com\/blog\/prevent-fireplace-carbon-monoxide-poisoning\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Fall Victim to Fireplace Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"EMT<\/a><\/p>\n

Carbon monoxide gas: You can\u2019t see it, smell it, or taste it \u2013 but it can kill you, silently and with little warning. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning not linked to fires, according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control. More than 20,000 are treated in emergency rooms for it, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.<\/p>\n

Many of us know that using outdoor appliances \u2013 like charcoal grills or portable generators \u2013 inside the home is a major cause of CO poisoning. But there are other, more subtle factors, that can be just as deadly. These include:<\/p>\n

Energy Efficient Houses & Appliances<\/strong> – As houses are made more airtight and fuel efficient, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up inside. Energy-wise homeowners look for ways to seal up their house against the elements, but in do so, they\u2019re preventing fresh air from coming into the house and polluted air from escaping.<\/p>\n

Appliances also contribute to the problem. Newer, high-technology heating appliances save money and decrease environmental pollution, but they may not burn off carbon monoxide as well as they should. They also may not be vented properly, resulting in a CO buildup inside the home.<\/p>\n

Attached Garages \u2013<\/strong> Attached garages are convenient, but they can also be dangerous. Starting a vehicle in an attached garage, even with the overhead door open, can add significant levels of carbon monoxide to the air inside the house. Studies revealed that carbon monoxide emissions from cars (when started cold) can fill the garage with CO in a short time, even with the door open. Once the car is backed out and the door closed, large concentrations of gas remain, where it can seep into the house for hours.<\/p>\n

Chimney Problems<\/strong> \u2013 Soot or creosote buildup, blockages, damaged flue liners, or chimneys that are too short for proper venting can all lead to a dangerous buildup of CO. Even if you don\u2019t use your fireplace, a damaged chimney is dangerous because they\u2019re often used to vent gases from furnaces and water heaters. If you haven\u2019t yet had your annual chimney inspection, schedule one now<\/em><\/a>! <\/em>Remember, your house may be sealed up to keep it warm for the winter, but you could also be sealing in CO!<\/p>\n

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What Are the Signs of CO Poisoning?<\/h2>\n

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as \u201cflu-like,\u201d but people who are sleeping or incapacitated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. The elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are especially at risk.<\/p>\n

How Can You Prevent CO Poisoning in Your Home?<\/h2>\n

The Center for Disease Control offers these tips:<\/p>\n