Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is emitted from burning fuels, including vehicle’s exhaust pipe. It is the deadliest killers for carbon monoxide poisoning for all humans, especially for small children. Because it is odorless, and colorless, carbon monoxide poisoning can be mistaken for flu as the victim can experience a variety of symptoms including: headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and consciousness.
What happens to your body when carbon monoxide poisoning takes place? When the human body breathes in carbon monoxide, the poison replaces the oxygen in one’s bloodstream. As a result, the heart, brain, and the body are starved for oxygen. Once the blood stops carrying the vital oxygen to all parts of the body, the body’s cells and tissues slowly begin to fail. If this occurrence persists over a period of time, the body will die.
As parents, we spend numerous hours both at home and in a vehicle for commuting. Our little children depend on us to make the smart and safe decisions wherever we take them with us. Since we are in the midst of the winter season, potential carbon monoxide poisoning statistics are higher during these few months. Therefore, it is imperative that we know how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep our families safe. Some of the safe practices are as follows.
- Never keep your vehicle’s engine running in an enclosed or even with garage door open area.
- Never place your toddler or children in the vehicle while you warm up your vehicle engine.
- Always ensure to have your vehicle maintained at scheduled times.
- Always be aware of potential sources of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as generators, furnace, fireplace, gas appliances, vehicles.
- Always have carbon monoxide detectors installed in homes and ensure to have a professional to check them as scheduled. Replace new if necessary.
- Always check on your vents at home to ensure that it is free from debris, especially after a storm.
- Never use a gas stove or range to heat your home.
We have the responsibility to provide a fun and safe environment for our friends and family. It is also easier for us to learn more about what we do not know now in the advent of the internet. Therefore, there should never be an excuse for us as parents to claim that “we did not expect this would happen”. Innocent little lives are lost every day, so let us be more proactive and try to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from happening to the ones we care most in the world.
Article references:
blogs.cdc.gov/yourhealthyourenvironment/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-can-be-deadly/
firesystems.net/2022/07/16/understanding-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-the-workplace/
