Dangers Lurk Around Every Corner

One of the leading causes of accidental death in this country is an avoidable poisoning that many believe occurs due to uneducated behavior. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), over 1,500 people die annually of carbon monoxide exposure and an additional 10,000 seek medical attention in clinics and hospitals. Many medical experts also speculate that the true estimate of exposure to carbon monoxide is extremely difficult to determine due to the symptoms of exposure resembling many other common ailments causing similar side effects. This carbon monoxide (CO) discharge is the result of an incomplete combustion of fuel, be it oil, gas, diesel fuel, coal, wood, kerosene, LP gas or propane, natural gas or other combustible product. CO unfortunately is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless toxic gas and as such is deadly when exposed to.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

All living mammals exist because of the oxygen gas we breath and the process by which that oxygen enters our blood stream and oxygenates our internal organs and cells. If the amount of oxygen we intake is reduced because of the introduction of carbon monoxide gas the resulting effect poisons the body because the internal organs, lungs, heart etc. receive less oxygen causing damage. Depending on the amount of CO that is ingested and the length of exposure that has taken place determines the extent of the damage done or death occurring. Very low levels of carbon monoxide ingestion precipitates shortness of breath, headaches and nausea. That would be a COHB level of 10% or less in the body. Higher levels of COHB levels of 30% or greater produce severe symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, dramatic headaches, passing out and vomiting. Carbon monoxide levels of 50% or more causes unconsciousness and death. Because of the abundant use of fuel burning in homes, restaurants, commercial properties, industrial and manufacturing facilities, carbon emissions are a constant threat and precaution is warranted. Water heaters, ranges, generators, poorly insulated, deteriorating or blocked chimneys, heaters, fires of an electrical nature, automobile emission, trucks, service vehicles, all contribute to the list of vulnerabilities. Furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves that use gas as the fuel need to be professionally installed and inspected annually. Proper and adequate ventilation is a must.  If they burn natural gas, heating oil, wood or other kinds of fuel, these appliances are potential sources of CO.

Preventative Measures to CO Poisoning

ESI, Emergency Systems Inc. is a security expert in the field of alarms and fire safety and has been serving the commercial and high-end residential community in North Central and North Florida for almost 40 years. Properly installed CO detectors are the most diligent form of protection for any burning fuel apparatus, installed at the source. If an alarm sounds from a CO detector, immediately open windows and doors and vacate the building. The CO emission, depending on the amount being discharged can kill a person in a matter of minutes. You cannot take any chances if this deadly gas is present. ESI is fully licensed, knowledgeable and professionally equipped commercial company able to handle any fire-retardant system inspection, repair, replacement or installation. Give us a call at 904-388-3975 and let one of our technicians answer any questions you may have. Emergency Systems Inc. State Certified and Licensed Alarm Contractor EF000087 or visit our website @ GetEsi.com for a complete list of our products, services and credentials. From fire alarms, CCTV, surveillance cameras, access control, gate and gate operating devices, cellular boasting/SureCall, motion detectors/VideoFied, and commercial and high-end residential security systems to state-of-the-art local monitoring, ESI does it all.