Be Aware for the Potential of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Late fall – early winter is statistically the highest risk season for carbon monoxide poisonings. This is the time of year when residents or visitors to our state, take advantage of deer hunting, ice fishing, cross country skiing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. It is also the time of year when the temperatures often dip below freezing, with the need to shutter buildings tightly, along with the need to use primary and auxiliary sources of heat to stay comfortably warm. It’s also a time when residents might start and run vehicles, tractors, trucks, recreational vehicles, etc. for a warmup period in enclosed garages and sheds before use outdoors. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced by incomplete burning of any fossil fuel or organic fuel source. Breathing the gas displaces oxygen in the blood. It can come from and buildup to dangerous levels in enclosed areas, due to poorly functioning appliances, unvented and or improperly vented appliances, and any internal combustion engine. It’s especially dangerous this time of year and throughout the winter season when homes, garages, sheds, barns, shops, trailers, cabins, campers, deer stands, fish shacks are tightly sealed up.

 

 To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Middle%20River%20HonkerID269/