This is a time of year when we physicians have to remind ourselves to pay attention and readjust our collective focus. Human illnesses are often quite seasonal, whether that means allergies in the spring and autumn, flu and pneumonia in the winter months, or insect bites in the summer. However, a unique danger arises when the thermostat drops. That danger is carbon monoxide, a dangerous byproduct of the combustion of burning carbon-based fuel.
While many people have all-electric homes, plenty of others will be heating with natural gas, propane, charcoal, kerosene or wood stoves. All of these make homes cozy on cold days and colder nights. Propane or gasoline fuel generators will be also used more in the cold months and can also serve as another source of carbon monoxide.
Others will start cars and trucks in their closed garages before going out into the cold. However, carbon monoxide easily builds up in such a closed space. So, unless a vehicle or heating source is well ventilated, the carbon monoxide that is a product of combustion can be very dangerous — not only in the garage, but also in the rest of the house, if the garage and house are connected.
Many homes have carbon monoxide detectors in addition to fire alarms, and this a very good idea. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, a home could be filled with it while its occupants sleep and ultimately die.
But what exactly does carbon monoxide poisoning do? Carbon monoxide is a small, colorless, odorless molecule that displaces oxygen from hemoglobin in the blood. In sufficient levels, it may cause headache, weakness, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and, in some cases, death. It can affect persons of all ages and is particularly dangerous to the unborn, young, old, and those who are already ill.
I do love a good fire! Just remember that as you stay cozy and warm, make sure that your heating systems are safe, up-to-date and well ventilated. Invest in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a low-cost investment with a big payoff in case of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.