Falling temperatures mean a rising risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and both state and local public safety officials are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families with the onset of winter.
Carbon monoxide is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds, which include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, wood and corn: all common home-heating fuels in north Missouri.
The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas forms when there is not enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, such as when a stove or an internal combustion engine is operated in an enclosed space. In a properly vented furnace, carbon monoxide burns with a blue flame as it turns into carbon dioxide.
Phil Rickabaugh, Fire Division director for the Maryville Department of Public Safety, said instances of carbon monoxide poisoning are rare locally, and that the last "close call" occurred several years ago.
But the division does respond to several carbon monoxide calls every heating seasons, though thankfully most involve faulty detectors or other problems not related to a concentration of the deadly gas.
"It's a problem that is more prevalent in the winter season as people start using their heating appliances," Rickabaugh said. "Anything with an open flame has the potential to produce carbon monoxide."
Citizens can protect themselves and their families by installing a carbon monoxide detector, a device similar to a smoke detector that sounds an alarm when it detects a dangerous level of gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are available at almost any hardware or department store and can also be purchased online. Cost is generally between $25 and $50.
"We recommend that everybody have a detector who burns wood, natural gas or propane," said Rickabaugh, who added that the devices, like smoke alarms, should be placed near bedrooms, where they will wake residents if the problem occurs at night.
The risk of a dangerous concentration of gas has little to do with whether a home is old or new, he said, but increases whenever an open-flame heating device malfunctions or is improperly installed. Poor venting or a crack in the heating chamber are common issues, as are un-cleaned chimneys where soot has accumulated or a squirrel or other animal has built a nest.
"Anytime a heat source is not vented properly, there is a potential for carbon monoxide," said Rickabaugh, who emphasized the importance of having a professional check furnaces, fireplaces and wood stoves at least once a year.
According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, 49 people in Missouri died from carbon monoxide exposure last year, and 287 others were sent to hospital emergency rooms.
“By the time you experience symptoms, it may be too late to call for help,” said Randy Maley, an environmental public health specialist for the department. “If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home or vehicle, you need to get out of your house or away from your car and into the open air.”
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headache, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting. Continue exposure to higher concentrations of the gas cause disorientation, convulsions, unconsciousness and death.
Maryville, Mo. —
