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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, (608) 266-1683
DEER HUNTERS,
OTHERS URGED TO USE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Carbon Monoxide Alarms One of the Best Defenses Against
CO Poisoning
MADISON - State health officials urge everyone to guard against
carbon monoxide poisoning as the weather turns colder and Wisconsin’s
deer hunters prepare for the woods.
“During deer hunting season, many people think about gun safety.
However, they also need to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide,”
said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer. “Carbon monoxide poisoning is
more common during the cold weather months in Wisconsin as people turn to
portable generators, heaters, and stoves to help stay warm. Poorly
functioning or unvented furnaces or home appliances can create a carbon
monoxide build up in your home, but can also poison hunters and sportsman
in cabins, campers, tents, and hunting and fishing shacks.”
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning
fuels. Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood, making
people sick. At high levels, carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness
of breath, nausea and mental confusion. High levels of exposure may lead
to more serious health problems, including loss of consciousness and
death.
One of the best defenses against carbon monoxide poisoning is a CO
detector. CO detectors work like smoke alarms to alert you to dangerously
high levels of carbon monoxide. Install CO detectors on every level of
your home and near sleeping areas. Bring a battery powered portable CO
detector with you any time you use a fuel-burning appliance away from
home.
Any device that burns gasoline, kerosene, wood, propane, coal, oil or
charcoal should only be used in well-ventilated settings. Foldy added that
a carbon monoxide detector's alarm should never be ignored. “The alarm
may save your life,” he said. “If it sounds, or if anyone indoors has
symptoms, get everyone out immediately and call 911 from a different
location.”
For more information about CO, contact your local health department or
visit the Department’s website at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Air/fs/CO.htm
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Last Revised: July 13, 2010 |
