Safety Focus: Carbon monoxide isn’t just a ‘gas’ – it can be dangerous Published Jan. 25, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As holiday décor comes down and residents retreat to less festive ways of keeping warm, heating and fire safety may become less obvious and ultimately a lower priority. Carbon monoxide poisoning and heating equipment are two areas Peterson safety managers want Airmen to stay vigilant about to prevent home and office fires. Each year unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims hundreds of lives and sends thousands of people to the emergency room for treatment. At lower levels of exposure, carbon monoxide causes mild effects often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. Carbon monoxide deaths have been on the rise since 1999. From 2004 to 2006, there was an average of 181 unintentional non-fire deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products compared to 123 deaths from 1999 to 2001, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most fatal to adults age 65 or older. Airmen should install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of poisoning at home. The important thing to remember is that carbon monoxide becomes a threat when the source of the unit is not properly ventilated, said Burke Ferrin, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief for prevention. Allowing fresh and circulating air to distribute the gas is the best defense against carbon monoxide build-up, he said. Airmen can help protect themselves and their families by: · Installing at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, near sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of the gas over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. · Have the heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. · Never use a range or oven to heat the home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in the home or garage.