Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is deadly to both humans and animals. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after inhaling the gas. Following inhalation, it enters the bloodstream and displaces oxygen from hemoglobin, which causes oxygen deficiency. This results in hypoxia, which could lead to serious health complications, brain damage, and even death. Essentially, carbon monoxide poisoning causes your body to suffocate from the inside out. Although the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are nonspecific, the most common symptoms reported include nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, migraine, weakness, chest pain, mental confusion, and fatigue. Fortunately, modern science and innovations in technology have allowed us to effectively prevent carbon monoxide poisoning our homes.

One particular device used to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is called a carbon monoxide detector, which is found in virtually every home in the country. Using this device, along with additional preventive methods, have proven to be highly-effective at preventing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in our homes. Continue reading to learn how to evaluate your indoor air quality and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning your home.

Testing Indoor Air Quality

It is important to know the quality of your indoor air environment. This is especially important for homes with occupants that have upper respiratory complications and illnesses such as asthma or allergies. Airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, hair, dirt, dead insects, dust mites, mold, bacteria, and more, our common offenders that can negatively affect the quality of your indoor air.

By determining the quality of your air, you can make the necessary changes to improve it. You should consider air purification services, including air filter replacements, air duct cleaning, vent and register cleaning, air testing, decontamination, sanitizing, and much more. You can also visit a local home improvement store and purchase a DIY air quality testing kit for reasonable price.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Not only should every home be equipped with a quality carbon monoxide detector, it is recommended to have one on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are your first defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. The slightest detection of carbon monoxide will sound off the alarm, which is loud enough to wake you in your sleep. Be sure to regularly check the batteries inside your carbon monoxide detector, and replaced them at least once per year.

Here are some additional ways you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Never use portable gas stoves inside the home.

Hire a professional to inspect gas appliances for safety. This is water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.

Never ignore unfamiliar odors in the refrigerator. Gases in refrigerators can create a funny smell when mixed with carbon monoxide.

Keep your chimney clean. Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney once a year.

Never burned charcoal indoors.

Never use generators inside your home or basement.

Never patch a vent pipe with an improper adhesive or sealant.

If you believe you or someone you love has been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, seek emergency medical treatment. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you are someone you love suffered carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a defective detector or another person’s negligence, contact a personal injury law firm to learn your rights to financial recovery.

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file an accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after you or your loved ones suffered injuries as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a time with a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney, today.