Carbon monoxide, the silent killer

Carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s often an afterthought, but it’s nothing to take lightly. Each year more than 150 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning according to the consumer product safety commission.

Wednesday 47 ABC sat down with Bruce Bouch, Director of Public Education and Media Affairs for the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office to discuss the dangers of carbon monoxide.

“Most times we find ourselves you know going on our day to day routine and because it’s not something that has an odor so you don’t think of it as a problem,” Bouch said.

Earlier this year in Princess Anne, Md., the Todd Family lost their lives from carbon monoxide poisoning. A generator was on in their kitchen and the family died in their sleep. Since they did not have a carbon monoxide detector they never stood a good chance according to the fire marshal’s office.

Once you’re asleep, you won’t wake up if you body begins to sense carbon monoxide because of it’s drowsy affects.

“What happens is it almost has a sleep factor to it because it slows down your system the carbon monoxide actually displaces the oxygen in your system,” Bouch said.

But the effects aren’t always immediate Bouch warns, if only a small amount of carbon monoxide is leaking, you might not notice until it’s too late.

“Carbon monoxide is kinda tricky because it can overcome you in a large amount in a very short period of time, or it can gradually displace the oxygen in your body over a long period of time, then cause the same ill effect,” Bouch said.

You can reduce your risks having a carbon monoxide detector Bouch said. They start in the $20 price range and should be checked regularly.

You can also get combination of a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in one.

Carbon monoxide can be produced by anything that burns fuel, including water heaters, wood burning stoves and generators. Fireplaces can also be the source of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“If you don’t take the time to ensure that your equipment is serviced annually by a professional then you stand the chance of carbon monoxide building up around those appliances,” Bouch said.

The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

Also, carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people may have irreversible brain damage, or even be killed before anyone realizes there’s a problem.