Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Parkland Ambulance © Eric Bell
Often dubbed "the invisible killer," carbon monoxide poisonings spike in the winter due to an increase in the use of heating appliances. Not recognizing its signs and symptoms could prove to be deadly.
"People think carbon monoxide has to come from a natural gas appliance, it doesn't," Lyle Karasiuk of Parkland Ambulance said. "Carbon monoxide is a product of combustion, so whether you are burning wood in a fireplace, you heat your home with natural gas, propane, or some other fuel source, you are at risk (of carbon monoxide poisoning)."
Karaksiuk said that to his knowledge there have only been a few carbon monoxide calls this year, but notes that the number will likely increase as the cold weather sets in and more people start using their fireplaces and other heating sources.
Karasiuk says that there are easy steps to avoid poisoning from carbon monoxide.
"You want to make sure to take the time to check the chimney of the house and make sure it's clear," Karasiuk said, pointing out that ice buildup can actually block the chimney vents. "As well, we always encourage people, if they have been away from a building for awhile, is take two minutes to take a mirror or shine a flashlight or look up the chimney to make sure its clear. Birds and small animals certainly like to build nests there and you may have a blockage."
Karasiuk also points out that carbon monoxide poisonings often happen in enclosed spaces, such as garages, where people have small heaters to keep warm.
"We have this happen every year, where we've got people who, maybe work in their garage, or people who work in an enclosed space," Karasiuk said. "In an area like that, you need to think about carbon monoxide and make sure that you have proper ventilation. So we discourage people from using wood heaters in the garage. It's the same thing if you are into barbequing, don't barbeque in an enclosed space. Barbeques are meant to be outside."
Karasiuk says that carbon monoxide poisoning brings with it flu-like symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
"The tell-tale sign we tell someone is if you wake up in the morning and everyone is sick," Karasiuk said. "If you have two or three people in a house, not everyone will come down with something like the flu at the same time. It should be a clue to you right away to say that something's not right in the house."
Karasiuk says the easiest way to know if your heating system is emitting carbon monoxide is to invest in a carbon monoxide detector. They cost around $40, and will sound off an alarm if carbon monoxide is detected in the home.
"They are relatively inexpensive," Karasiuk said. "When you consider the consequences, a carbon monoxide detector is a whole lot better of an option then what might be if you get carbon monoxide poisoning."
If carbon monoxide is detected in your home or building Karasiuk's advice is simple: get out.
"If you notice the carbon monoxide detector has gone off, or everyone else in the house is experience flu like symptoms, you need to get out of the house and call a heating contractor or Sask Energy," Karasiuk said. "They will come and test the air quality in the house so that they can tell you if you have a serious problem and then recommend the course of treatment for you."
