Carbon monoxide is a serious threat and it is important that every United Kingdom resident understands just how important it is to understand where it comes from and how to deal with it. What is carbon monoxide exactly? How is it harmful? How can residents of the United Kingdom make sure that they are safe from it? This article will answer each of these questions.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas. It has no colour. It has no odour. It has no taste. It is, however, poisonous and incredibly harmful to humans and animals. It is made by the burning of fuels that are carbon based. The most commonly burned carbon based fuels are coal, wood, oil and gas.
Where can I Find Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide can be found anywhere that the aforementioned carbon based fuels are burned. Carbon monoxide can be produced by the burning of wood materials, coal, charcoal, propane, oil, kerosene and natural gases. There are many different household appliances and different types of machinery that produce carbon monoxide by burning one or more of these types of fuels: lawn mowers, cars, barbecues, grills, generators, etc.
How is Carbon Monoxide Harmful?
Doctors and scientists are still conducting experiments to determine exactly how carbon monoxide affects the body and causes so much damage so quickly. Doctors and scientists do know that carbon monoxide directly compromises parts of the blood: myoglobin, oxidase, cytochrome and haemoglobin.
How Do I Protect Myself from Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is not usually harmful if the area in which it is used has proper ventilation. Home owners should also invest in carbon monoxide detectors which are inexpensive and can be easily installed in different areas of the home to ensure that, should a carbon monoxide leak occur, that the home's occupants are warned and are able to get safely outside before any harm can be done.
What are Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are heightened levels of fatigue, nausea and headaches that can't be explained by other factors. Many people with carbon monoxide poisoning think that they have the flu and do not get treatment quickly enough. It is important that, if you start feeling any of these symptoms, that you go outside and get some fresh air. If the symptoms subside, it is likely that you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and should call a professional to inspect your home.
Every resident of the UK should understand how carbon monoxide works and why it is dangerous. Knowing these things can save lives! - 15790
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas. It has no colour. It has no odour. It has no taste. It is, however, poisonous and incredibly harmful to humans and animals. It is made by the burning of fuels that are carbon based. The most commonly burned carbon based fuels are coal, wood, oil and gas.
Where can I Find Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide can be found anywhere that the aforementioned carbon based fuels are burned. Carbon monoxide can be produced by the burning of wood materials, coal, charcoal, propane, oil, kerosene and natural gases. There are many different household appliances and different types of machinery that produce carbon monoxide by burning one or more of these types of fuels: lawn mowers, cars, barbecues, grills, generators, etc.
How is Carbon Monoxide Harmful?
Doctors and scientists are still conducting experiments to determine exactly how carbon monoxide affects the body and causes so much damage so quickly. Doctors and scientists do know that carbon monoxide directly compromises parts of the blood: myoglobin, oxidase, cytochrome and haemoglobin.
How Do I Protect Myself from Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is not usually harmful if the area in which it is used has proper ventilation. Home owners should also invest in carbon monoxide detectors which are inexpensive and can be easily installed in different areas of the home to ensure that, should a carbon monoxide leak occur, that the home's occupants are warned and are able to get safely outside before any harm can be done.
What are Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are heightened levels of fatigue, nausea and headaches that can't be explained by other factors. Many people with carbon monoxide poisoning think that they have the flu and do not get treatment quickly enough. It is important that, if you start feeling any of these symptoms, that you go outside and get some fresh air. If the symptoms subside, it is likely that you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and should call a professional to inspect your home.
Every resident of the UK should understand how carbon monoxide works and why it is dangerous. Knowing these things can save lives! - 15790
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, plumbers, Beckenham central heating, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.