The low temperatures are already felt in Mendoza and in the homes, families start to ignite their heaters. However, they take a good time off so you have to take into account certain recommendations that provides Civil defense of the province to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning (CO). One of the first recommendations is to summon gas enrolled for the placement and cleaning of stoves, kitchens and calefones. At the same time it is important to remember that the stoves and the oven are not suitable for heating the rooms. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the gas (natural or carafe), kerosene, firewood, alcohol, or any organic substance is burned incompletely and there is no ventilation in the room. This monoxide is combined with the hemoglobin of the blood which cannot transport oxygen to the cells causing hypoxia of the tissues. Causes that generate carbon monoxide (CO): • Insufficient ventilation of the environment where there is combustion. • Installation of artifacts in unsuitable locations. • Bad condition of flue gas evacuation ducts, decoupled, deteriorated or badly installed. • Gas burner with reduced primary air inlet. • Accumulation of soot or other material on the burner. Signals: There are some signs that may cause the presence of CO in the environment to be suspected, such as: • Yellow or orange flame instead of normal blue. This is a product of the free carbon in a state of incandescence. • Appearance of stains, dirt or discoloration of the appliances, their exhaust ducts or around them. Most of the accidents occur in winter because, in the face of low temperatures, people tend to seclusion in an environment, keeping all openings that are open in summer (doors and windows) closed. PrevenciónPara avoid accidents, the installation of the devices must comply with the conditions of location, ventilation and exhaustion of gases product of combustion according to current technical regulations (NAG-200-minimum standards and regulations For the execution of home gas installations). That’s why it should always be done and controlled by a gas registered. Before turning on the appliance, do a service for a registered gas.
How to avoid CO poisoning
What to do in the face of an intoxication? In the face of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, remove those affected from the contaminated environment to a place where they can breathe fresh, clean air and call the doctor immediately. If possible, try opening doors and windows as well as turning off the carbon monoxide source. Types of poisoning and symptoms the absorption of carbon monoxide and the resulting symptoms depend directly on the concentration in the breathed air, the exposure time and the degree of activity of the person. Carbon monoxide causes two types of poisoning: acute, high concentrations, is deadly and does not produce significant warning symptoms. And the chronic, with the following symptoms: Cumulative sleep, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, muscle impotence and drowsiness, being able to confuse with a state of influenza or poor food intake. Prolonged inhalation increases drowsiness by causing paralysis in the muscles of the thorax, limbs, and laryngeals, preventing the call for help. Then the fainting occurs and later death can occur.
Symptoms of CO poisoning
In this note:
Carbon monoxide
Stoves
Heating
