Fire department warns against the dangers of carbon monoxide

It's colorless, odorless and invisible, and it can kill. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the silent killer, and while everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, infants, young children, senior citizens and people with heart and lung problems are at a higher risk.

The Ventura County Fire Department provides the following information to help prevent a tragedy. CO poisoning occurs when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane are not completely burned. CO poisoning results in more than 1,500 deaths and 10,000 injuries every year.

CO poisoning can occur by small exposures over a long period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

"The symptoms vary by how high the exposure is," said Fire Capt. Barry Parker. "With mild exposure, the symptoms are flulike- headache, nausea and vomiting. But as exposures rise, the symptoms worsen. Headaches increase and patients may become drowsy or confused. At the highest levels, CO poisoning can result in loss of consciousness, convulsions, brain damage or death. It's a very serious health hazard."

Fortunately, there are some simple precautions that can provide protection from CO poisoning.

•Inspect flues and chimneys for cracks, corrosion, holes, debris or blockages.

•Service heaters before the first use of the season.

•Never leave a car running inside a garage.

•Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

•Never use a oven to heat the home.

•Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.

"There are many types of CO alarms available to the public," said Parker. "Buy one that has been approved by an independent testing laboratory. Although they operate differently, all of the alarms will alert you to the presence of CO."

For more information, visit www.fire.countyofventura.org.