According to the CDC, approximately 50,000 people are poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) every year. The number of deaths due to CO poisoning is about 430 people. Five Star Plumbing can come to your home and test for carbon monoxide leaks. This ensures that you, your family, and your pets are safe and at low risk of joining these statistics. If any of your family members or you experience any of the symptoms listed below, get everyone, including the pets, out of the house. The following are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning as relayed by the CDC.
Chest Pain
Chest pain and difficulty breathing are an indication that you have been held too much carbon monoxide. This dangerous gas is released by gas appliances such as your furnace and gas dryer. If these appliances are not vented properly, carbon monoxide will make its way into your home.
Confusion
Aside from chest pain, you may also experience confusion. If anyone in your home is acting strange and confused, again, get everyone out of the house. Carbon monoxide can cause confusion because it directly affects the respiratory system. Lack of oxygen can cause confusion.
Dizziness
You or a family member may also feel dizzy. This dizziness can be combined with confusion or by itself. If multiple members of the family are complaining of dizziness, or if your pets seem disoriented, get out of the house and call for help. Take those who are ill to the emergency room right away.
Headache
Excess CO in the home can also give you a dull headache. If everyone in the family is complaining of a headache, it’s a safe bet that you are all being affected by something in the home. It could be a carbon monoxide gas leak, so err on the side of caution and leave the home right away.
Nausea
Nausea is also a sign that you are being poisoned by carbon monoxide. Even if the nausea is mild and you are not vomiting, don’t take chances. As we mentioned in the introduction to this blog post, 430 people die of CO poisoning every year.
Vomiting
In severe cases, you may experience vomiting alongside the nausea. In fact, many people ignore the symptoms of CO poisoning because it feels like they have the flu. If you are nauseous and vomiting, head to the emergency room.
Weakness
Finally, all of these things will make you weak. Don’t be fooled by carbon monoxide poisoning’s flu-like symptoms. Weakness can be a sign that you’ve inhaled too much carbon monoxide.
Again, Five Star Plumbing in San Antonio, TX, would be happy to come to your home and test for carbon monoxide leaks. Call us today for an appointment.
