Senior Spotlight: Carbon Monoxide Risks In Older Adults

January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; according to the CDC – 2 people die each day which is 3x the fatality rate recorded in other months. Before the month ends, we wanted to talk about the risks specific to older adults and how we can help them prevent carbon monoxide illness & death as well as spot symptoms.

Carbon monoxide is called the “Invisible Killer" because it is odorless and colorless. Consumer products often related to CO poisoning are generators, furnaces, stoves, water heaters & fireplaces.

OLDER ADULTS

While everyone is at risk for the effects of this toxin, those living with pre-existing conditions, especially chronic heart disease and respiratory diseases are more likely to have a lower tolerance and higher fatality risk. Since so many older adults have pre-existing conditions and may live alone (which makes symptom recognition and support more difficult), they are in an especially critical situation.

SYMPTOMS

The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that “the initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever)"; they include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea & dizziness. High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including: mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness & ultimately death.

PREVENTION

A full fact sheet on CO poisoning & prevention can be found here; we encourage every household to ensure they are in compliance with having a CO alarm in every bedroom and on every level of the home. Be sure to test alarms every month!

In addition, be sure to have annual inspections performed on heating systems & fuel burning appliances. Contact your utility company as many offer free safety checks on gas appliances.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS YOU THINK COULD BE FROM CO POISONING:

* Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows and turn off stoves, ovens, heaters and similar appliances and leave the house.

*Call a poison center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. The poison experts there will let you know if you need to seek further medical attention.

Last but not least… be sure to take these steps for yourself as well as your aging loved ones!

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
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