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How To Ensure Your Safety Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Hotels
Carbon monoxide or CO is commonly known as ‘The Silent Killer’. Having no odor color or taste it is a poisonous gas that is difficult to detect. According to the Centre for Disease and Control it is a cause of death for approximately 500 people yearly and hospitalization for 10000 more in the United States alone. Among the most worrisome contributors to health hazards related to CO are hotels and motels without CO detectors. To date there is no law or mandate requiring that CO detectors be placed inside these establishments; consequently a significant risk of CO poisoning exists for travelers. The need for carbon monoxide detectors has never been more apparent.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can block the absorption of oxygen in the bloodstream. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels becoming significantly more lethal in non ventilated rooms and in buildings where modern insulation limits air circulation. All appliances heaters including water heaters and cars should be maintained regularly to prevent dangerous levels CO emissions.
Travel and Carbon Monoxide Safety
Prior to booking a hotel or motel inquire as to whether or not high quality CO detectors are installed throughout the building. By law hotels in the United States are required to install CO detectors if they have had a previous incident of CO poisoning; however many claim to have them installed but in order to save money do not.
Popular Portable Carbon Monoxide Detectors
To ensure your safety you can bring a portable carbon monoxide detector with you on your trips. The newest model is the Costar P1 and after its 5 year testing offmarket it should be ready by January 2008 for consumer purchase. The device is small enough to be conveniently kept in your car purse pocket and especially important your hotel room. At an average price of 45.00 US you are buying yourself peace of mind.
Currently the most popular detector according to about.com is the First Alert Plugin Carbon Monoxide Detector with digital display. This device comes with a remote control test/silence and an AC battery backup. It samples the air once every second and has an internal memory chip that stores the highest levels of carbon monoxide detected.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches dizziness nausea vomiting weakness chest pains and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Because the symptoms mimic other common illnesses it is often hard to determine if poisoning has occurred. If you think that you might be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning do not hesitate to get to the nearest hospital.
The importance of a carbon monoxide detector is immeasurable as it is during sleep that most CO deaths occur because people do not experience any of the symptoms while asleep. Do not let your vacation become a tragedy; bring a portable CO detector.
About the writer: Lily Armstrong is the research consultant for A Guide to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at www.carbonmonoxidepoisoning.com.
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