The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit at Mather Hospital is urging residents to take the time to ensure their safety by avoiding exposure to deadly Carbon Monoxide gas (CO). Carbon Monoxide is one of the greatest dangers associated with cool/cold weather months, along with fires and injuries. Mather Hospital offers the following tips:

1. GET A CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR: During cold weather months, furnaces will be running while windows are closed. To prevent dangers, install a carbon monoxide detector near your home's bedrooms.

2. SERVICE THE FURNACE: Before the cold weather home heating season begins, have a qualified heating technician service your furnace to ensure that it will operate safely and efficiently. Make sure the area around your furnace is clear for good air circulation, and keep all flammable materials far away.

3. CHECK THE CHIMNEY: Carefully inspect your chimney to make sure it is unobstructed. Since many furnaces vent into the chimney, it must be free of debris to allow products of combustion to vent into the atmosphere. If burning wood in a fireplace, have the chimney inspected to make sure it is in good condition and free of buildup.

4. NEVER HEAT WITH AN OVEN: Even on the coldest mornings, avoid the temptation to warm the kitchen with a gas range or an open oven door. The unvented products of combustion can quickly build to toxic levels.

5. WATCH SPACE HEATERS: Be cautious with portable heaters or space heaters, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe venting and use. Place them at least three feet away from any combustibles, and never leave them operating when you are away or asleep. Don't leave children or pets unattended around space heaters or use them for drying.

Carbon monoxide gas is produced whenever any fuel -- such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal -- is burned. CO enters the lungs and blood where it competes with oxygen carried by red blood cells. CO attaches to these cells, causing the cells to die.

Exposure produces flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion and fainting. At higher levels CO exposure can cause unconsciousness and death. The best treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which boosts oxygen levels and clears excess carbon monoxide. Mather Hospital operates four hyperbaric chambers in its Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit. Other medical conditions, such as slow-to-heal wounds and decompression sickness (“the bends”) are also treated in this Unit.

If you suspect CO poisoning, get to the nearest emergency room for prompt medical attention. For more information about Mather Hospital’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit, please call 631-476-2768.

Email this story to a friend...

Back to list of News Stories...