Office: 513-762-6434 or Paul.abrams@rrsc.com

(Cincinnati, OH) – January 10, 2008 – The Winter season demands tightly sealed homes and almost continuous use of furnaces and fireplaces. Due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, this combination can prove deadly in homes or buildings if there are mechanical problems with heating equipment.

Roto-Rooter has been a proud member of the National Safety Council since September 30, 2004. As a member we have access to many different safety resources. Much of the information pertains to safety both on the job and off. Since it’s the time of year when most of us are turning up the heat in our homes, the following information, provided by the National Safety Council, is important to share with family, friends and co-workers.

Carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas that is both colorless and odorless, is often referred to as the "silent killer." The incomplete burning of fossil fuels produces carbon monoxide. Major sources of CO include un-vented kerosene and gas space heaters, gas and oil furnaces and water heaters, gas and wood stoves, fireplaces, grills and automobile exhaust.

When a person is exposed to unhealthy levels of CO they are said to have carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year and many others are hospitalized. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu but without a fever. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Chest pain
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Visual changes 
• Unconsciousness
• Respiratory and or cardiac arrest

Infants, pregnant women, people with heart and respiratory illnesses, and the elderly are at a greater risk for harmful effects from carbon monoxide exposure. Conditions that indicate possible CO poisoning include:

• Symptoms that come and go
• Symptoms that worsen or improve at certain times of the day or in certain places
• When people around the possible CO poisoning victim have similar symptoms
• When pets seem ill

While it is important to have carbon monoxide detectors as a back up, especially near sleeping areas in home, they should never replace proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. It is better to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your workplace or home in the first place.

Here are a few tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Have fuel-burning appliances professionally installed and also have them inspected at the beginning of every heating season
• Whenever possible, choose to purchase appliances that vent their exhaust to the outside.
• Whenever using a fireplace, make sure that the flue is fully open.
• Use the proper grade of fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Always burn charcoal in a well-ventilated area, never inside a home, garage, or recreational vehicle.
• Never run your car while in the garage, even if the door is open, because exhaust can build up quickly.
• Never sleep in a room with an un-vented gas or a kerosene heater.
• Never use ovens or gas ranges to heat your home.
• Have your heating system, chimneys, and flues cleaned by a professional.
• Make sure that your furnace has adequate intake of outside air.
• Never use small gasoline-powered engines in enclosed spaces.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more prevalent during winter months due to the frequent use of heating devices. Therefore, be aware of the danger and take the proper precautions to prevent this silent killer from entering your home or workplace.