Clinical studies have shown that the air in homes can be more polluted than the outdoor air in big cities. This means that the quality of air indoors can greatly affect one’s health.

It is easier to protect oneself from dangers that can be sensed. But what if the danger cannot be seen, smelled, tasted, or felt? Unknowingly, these dangers can cause sudden illnesses or even death, and one of these hazards is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas produced from the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.

Most appliances at home used for warmth, cooking, or decorative purposes can produce combustion pollutants like carbon monoxide.

Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane, oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. examples of appliances are ranges, ovens, stoves, heating systems, generators, furnaces, fireplaces, and clothes dryers.

These are usually safe. However, under certain conditions, hazards may enter the home silently until it strikes somebody in the house.

These tips against CO exposure can save one’s life, or even a loved one’s.

- Read, understand, and follow the instructions in all appliances too see how they work.

- Buy gas equipments carrying the seal of the national testing agency.

- Seek professional assistance in installing gas appliances so that CO will not build up in the home.

- Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline/charcoal-burning device inside the home, basement, garage, or near a window.

- Subject heating systems, water heaters, and other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances to servicing and regular check-ups by qualified technicians.

- Never ignore the smell of fuel. This usually indicates that the appliance is malfunctioning or there is a leak.

- Install exhaust fans in heat-prone areas of the house, like the kitchen, where CO could possibly build up.
If CO poisoning is suspected, phone a doctor right away.

CO poisoning may attack anyone anytime. It’s being odorless, colorless, and poisonous makes it a more dangerous resident in the home.

Proper selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of home appliances are extremely important in reducing CO exposure, as well as to other combustion pollutants like nitrogen oxide, soot and dust particles, and sulfur dioxide