As Temperatures Drop, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks Rise

With winter finally here, many are turning up the heat to stay warm. Though most of us rely on central heat, some choose alternate heat sources to combat the cold temperatures. Trouble is, many of these alternate sources can come with a nasty risk: carbon monoxide poisoning. Grills, furnaces, stoves and engines can all leak carbon monoxide into your home and sicken – even kill – you and your family.

The Centers for Disease Control report that carbon monoxide poisoning leads to more than 20,000 emergency room visits each year. Too often, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be mistaken for a seasonal cold or flu. Headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting are all indicators that you could have a carbon monoxide leak in your home. Having trouble differentiating between your cold or potential poisoning symptoms? Simply step outside your home for a few minutes. If your symptoms abate, there’s a good chance you could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Install & Maintain a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to preventing this poisoning from occurring. Install a carbon monoxide monitor and like a smoke detector, check and change its batteries every few months. Avoid using heat sources intended for outdoor use, like grills or generators. Without the fresh breezes of the great outdoors to keep carbon monoxide at bay, you run a much greater risk of endangering your family’s health. Instead, choose heat sources intended for the indoors, like space heaters or fireplaces. Even low-tech options like quilts, hand warmers and space blankets are good, safe alternatives to outdoor heating mechanisms.

Virginia Carbon Monoxide Lawyer

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC represent victims and their families that have suffered from the serious side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a negligent individual or entity. If you’ve been poisoned and you suspect that it was caused by a defective appliance,  faulty repairs, a negligent installation, or the carelessness of another– contact our attorneys today.