Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer because it is odorless, colorless, poisonous, tasteless, and undetectable by the human senses. It diminishes the body’s ability to absorb oxygen which leads to severe tissue damage and possibly death.
Many people only associate carbon monoxide poisoning with automobiles. However, on average about 170 people in the United States die each year from CO caused by malfunctioning household fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, and room heaters. Other common household products and equipment known to produce CO are power washers, portable generators, barbecue grills and lawnmowers.
The symptoms of CO poisoning can be vague and hard to detect especially if the victim is sleeping or intoxicated. Some medical personnel misdiagnose CO Poisoning as a simple case of the flu. Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of Breath
- Confusion
- Blurred Vision
- Loss of Consciousness
The source of CO poisoning is often hard to pinpoint and varies widely. There may be a manufacturers product defect. Improper installation can cause a backdrafting problem or depressurization. Perhaps the victim was using the appliance in an unsafe manner such as forgetting to turn off the gas to the stove. Other times CO Poisoning is caused by a combination of unforeseen factors.
Carbon monoxide cases require a great deal of detailed investigative measures. Fire departments are called in when CO is expected to be present. Unfortunately the tools they use to detect CO are often mitigated by the fact when they arrive at the scene windows and doors have been open and the carbon monoxide is disbursed. Furthermore their instruments only detect the presence of CO, not always the source. Another source of concern is the lack of sufficient training for many small heating system installation contractors. In numerous locations there are few to no mechanical codes and the contractors are not required to be licensed.
The experts at Forensic Analysis & Engineering have solved numerous CO poisoning cases “Establishing Why” the CO poisoning occurred and detecting and identifying the source. Our specialists will be able to provide you with a full and thorough report after the testing and investigation not only explaining why the hazard occurred, but outlining what is necessary to prevent further occurrences in the future. To find out more or to submit an investigation request, visit our website at www.forensic-analysis.com.
he Silent Killer February 10, 2015 by Establishing “Why” Since 1966 Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer because it is odorless, colorless, poisonous, tasteless, and undetectable by the human senses. It diminishes the body’s ability to absorb oxygen which leads to severe tissue damage and possibly death. Many people only associate carbon monoxide poisoning with automobiles. However, on average about 170 people in the United States die each year from CO caused by malfunctioning household fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, and room heaters. Other common household products and equipment known to produce CO are power washers, portable generators, barbecue grills and lawnmowers. The symptoms of CO poisoning can be vague and hard to detect especially if the victim is sleeping or intoxicated. Some medical personnel misdiagnose CO Poisoning as a simple case of the flu. Symptoms may include any of the following: Headache Weakness Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Shortness of Breath Confusion Blurred Vision Loss of Consciousness The source of CO poisoning is often hard to pinpoint and varies widely. There may be a manufacturers product defect. Improper installation can cause a backdrafting problem or depressurization. Perhaps the victim was using the appliance in an unsafe manner such as forgetting to turn off the gas to the stove. Other times CO Poisoning is caused by a combination of unforeseen factors. Carbon monoxide cases require a great deal of detailed investigative measures. Fire departments are called in when CO is expected to be present. Unfortunately the tools they use to detect CO are often mitigated by the fact when they arrive at the scene windows and doors have been open and the carbon monoxide is disbursed. Furthermore their instruments only detect the presence of CO, not always the source. Another source of concern is the lack of sufficient training for many small heating system installation contractors. In numerous locations there are few to no mechanical codes and the contractors are not required to be licensed. The experts at Forensic Analysis & Engineering have solved numerous CO poisoning cases “Establishing Why” the CO poisoning occurred and detecting and identifying the source. Our specialists will be able to provide you with a full and thorough report after the testing and investigation not only explaining why the hazard occurred, but outlining what is necessary to prevent further occurrences in the future. To find out more or to submit an investigation request, visit our website at www.forensic-analysis.com.
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