Many people are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, but most people do not have enough knowledge about it. Since carbon monoxide is found in fire and smoke, many think that it can be easily seen or detected. Below are some carbon monoxide myths and facts that will help you know how to properly deal with CO-related issues.
Some say that you can smell or taste CO, so it’s easy to tell when there’s carbon monoxide leak in your home. Is this true?
Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless and definitely tasteless. When people say that they smell carbon monoxide leaking from somewhere, they actually smell other elements of the fuel that are burnt. These elements may sometimes cause unpleasant tastes in people’s mouths, but they absolutely do not and cannot savor CO.
There are folks claiming that carbon monoxide alarms are only sold in the market for business reasons as they are not effective at all. Is there any truth to this?
Just like any product in the market, carbon monoxide alarms have gone through testing phases. Earlier versions of carbon monoxide alarms may not have been very accurate, but those old models are now replaced by advanced models today that are more precise and useful. It is vital for buildings and homes to have carbon monoxide alarms since CO cannot be seen, tasted or sensed by humans easily.
Carbon monoxide can’t kill you because there are more pollutants in the environment and yet people are still alive. Why are many people very scared about CO poisoning?
Inhaling large amounts of carbon monoxide can be fatal. An enclosed space filled with carbon monoxide can harm people faster because there are no other sources of clean air, thus, the people inside have no option but to inhale CO. Some experts label carbon monoxide as a silent killer because it is invisible and its presence cannot be detected right there and then. A person who breathes in carbon monoxide fills in his lungs with this type of gas instead of oxygen. As the hemoglobin binds with CO instead of oxygen, the body suffers from hypoxia, which can lead to unconsciousness, organ damage and slow death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning should not be treated lightly. All property owners should see to it that their HVAC machines are regularly maintained to prevent CO leaks. For further information and assistance on CO poisoning, it’s best to contact experts. Call us for all of your heating and air conditioning needs and we will provide you the best services as soon possible.