The carbon monoxide scare that sent 40 Atlanta elementary school students to the hospital on Monday highlights an unseen but very real danger. Carbon monoxide poisoning can come on suddenly, and it can be deadly.
This time of year is peak season for these kinds of poisonings. It's getting colder outside, and people are firing up their heating systems. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced by fuel-burning furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters and fireplaces. Even your vehicle can be a source of CO poisoning.
Decatur Fire Marshal Stephanie Burton says there are some things you can do to make sure your family stays safe from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
She warns that one of the reasons it's so dangerous is because you can't see it, and you can't smell it. Burton says when it hits you, you might start to feel nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded or even a little sleepy. Some people might even lie down, but if they do, they may not wake up. By the time you start feeling sick, Burton says you're already in danger.
If this happens to you or your family, it's a good idea to get in a ventilated space—preferably outside your home—and all the fire department. They're happy to come and check to see if high levels of carbon monoxide are present in your home.
Burton also says you need a carbon monoxide detector. In fact, you can get one that is also a smoke detector, and they last about seven years. The combination smoke-CO detectors will run about $25, but Decatur and other fire departments will install them for free.
Burton says a big source of CO poisoning is your home's heating system, so you should get a professional to check out and make sure it's vented and working properly. Also, you should never warm your vehicle in a garage without first opening the door and backing out at least part of the way.
Because carbon monoxide is heavier than oxygen, it pools low—making it most dangerous for children and pets.
Experts recommend placing carbon monoxide detectors near your bedrooms because you spend most of your time at home sleeping. It's also a good idea to put one next to your hot water heater, and remember that even things like space heaters can produce fumes. If it goes off, get outside and call 911. It could save your family.
More coverage: Carbon monoxide leak at Atlanta schoolMore>>
Tuesday, December 4 2012 8:11 AM EST2012-12-04 13:11:02 GMT
Atlanta Public Schools officials say Finch Elementary will remain closed on Tuesday after a carbon monoxide scare sent dozens of students to the hospital.
Atlanta Public Schools officials say Finch Elementary will remain closed after a carbon monoxide scare sent dozens of students to the hospital. Classes for the school's students will be held Tuesday at Kennedy Middle School.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
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Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
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Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
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Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
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Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
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Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
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Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
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Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
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Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
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Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
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Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
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Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
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A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
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