Dispelling 6 Common Myths About Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide poisoning results in thousands of people requiring medical treatment and it is a leading cause of accidental poisonings in Ontario every year.
This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week here in Ontario and HUB Insurance Hunter wants to help spread the word about the potential dangers that carbon monoxide pose to families.
With the new law requiring all homes in the province to have carbon monoxide detectors installed, it’s important that residents become educated about what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to carbon monoxide.
How much do you actually know about carbon monoxide, when it becomes harmful, and how it can enter your home? The following outlines some of the most common misconceptions and myths about carbon monoxide:
MYTH 1: Carbon monoxide has a distinctsmell
There is a reason why it’s called the silent killer – its colourless, tasteless, and odourless.
MYTH 2: Carbon monoxide is only dangerous when exposed to high levels
False! It is dangerous at any level of exposure.
MYTH 3: There are no obvious symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
There are actually many different signs of poisoning, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, burning eyes, and drowsiness. If you experience these symptoms, leave your home right away.
MYTH 4: The only way to protect your home from carbon monoxide is installing a CO alarm
This is partially correct. Having a CO alarm is a great first step toward prevention, but it’s also important to have your furnace and heating equipment inspected to ensure they are not emitting carbon monoxide into your home.
MYTH 5: Opening the windows is an effective way to eliminate the presence of carbon monoxide
If anyone in your home is feeling the effects of carbon monoxide, get out of your home immediately, even if your alarm is not sounding off. Call the fire department and have them check out your home.
MYTH 6: Carbon monoxide issues are only caused by older heating equipment
While this can be a source, improper ventilation is one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide leaking into your home.
It’s important to know the facts about carbon monoxide. The more you know, the better you will be able to know the difference between fact and fiction.
Learn more about carbon monoxide prevention and other important information at: http://www.cosafety.ca/homepage