ACROSS Our PRESS DESK......

Sam Cahan, PE                          

Is it the flu or carbon monoxide poisoning?

Severe headache, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, or faintness---many of these symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu or other illnesses.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the silent killer, being invisible and odorless. In the year 2000 the National Safety Council listed 400 CO deaths in homes.

Basic precautions require the installation of an approved CO alarm at a central location outside each separate sleeping area.

Aside from garage potentials (motor vehicles, generators or other equipment) home fuel-burning devices must also be monitored. These include fireplaces and chimneys, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space heaters.

Bottom line: Install approved CO detectors; follow manufacturer’s instructions for service and maintenance; immediately evacuate the home if a CO alarm goes off.

Note: CO alarms are not a substitute for a smoke alarm. Both are vital for life safety.

(More info: NFPA.org)