Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is one of the most dangerous gases you can encounter in your normal, daily life. It is odorless, colorless, tasteless and very toxic. Because of this, if carbon monoxide is present in your home or office building, you could be poisoned without even knowing it. It is no wonder that this gas, also known as the “silent killer” is the number one cause of accidental poisonings in the United States.
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete carbon combustion. This means that it can be created in households, apartments, and office buildings when fuel-burning appliances, such as heaters and boilers, are not in good condition and/or adequate ventilation is not present.
The Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most of the time, those who suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning do not notice that they are being exposed to toxic gases. The symptoms are similar to those of the flu or other illnesses:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Chest tightness and pain
- Headache
If CO appears in the home, then household occupants may suffer poisoning while they are asleep. In many cases, they do not awaken before the gas takes their lives.
In order to protect yourself and your household members against the dangers of CO poisoning, it is recommended that you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. These devices are similar to smoke detectors; they sound an alarm when they sense abnormally high amounts of carbon monoxide in the air and must be checked regularly for battery life.
Contact Us
If you have lost someone you love to carbon monoxide poisoning, then you may have the right to claim damages from a negligent property owner. The New York City personal injury lawyers of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. can help you legally assess your situation.