November 30th, 2011

The Patriot-News reports that carbon monoxide (CO)  incidents in the area have been on the rise lately.  Anything from a faulty furnace to the misuse of a generator can cause CO levels to rise to a level that can cause serious injury or even death. 

However, a fairly inexpensive alarm can help warn you of an unsafe level and guard against poisonings.  A current proposal in the state Senate would require that when are houses are sold they are equipped with a CO alarm, as well as all apartments. 

As temperatures drop and people begin using fuel-burning heating equipment this winter, public safety officials remind residents of the importance of having at least one carbon monoxide detector near where you sleep and to have furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves inspected annually.
    
Perhaps the most deceiving aspect of carbon monoxide poisoning is its symptoms mimic the flu, so a victim might not suspect a more serious problem until it’s too late. There’s no other way to detect it, other than having a detector, which cost between $20 and $30.
    
“Often times, people don’t immediately think that carbon monoxide is the problem,” said Don Konkle, former Harrisburg fire chief and the current executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute. “They go to bed thinking they’ll feel better and never wake up.”