Carbon monoxide poisoning poses risk

As the December cold sets in, students may not feel safe in the frigid temperatures, however, carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless gas — can pose a threat indoors.

A high concentration of carbon monoxide is a serious concern for any enclosed space.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause mild nausea, headaches and dizziness.

Depending on the amount of gas exposure, the symptoms can escalate quickly to a lack of consciousness.

If the unconscious victim isn’t removed from the environment the results could be fatal, according to the Indiana State Department of Health’s website.

Still, many students still aren’t aware of the toxic gas’ threats.

Sophomore Brenda Zhang laughed when asked about her gas worries and said, “If I can’t see it, I don’t think it can see me.”

College students might not be worried about carbon monoxide, but a gas build-up can come from a number of common combustible household items such as an idling car, a lit fireplace, a lantern or a gas range stove.

“We go out on quite a few alarms from carbon monoxide detectors,” Bloomington Fire Department Sergeant Tania Daffron said.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Statistics haven’t been released from the Bloomington Hospital or the coroner’s office on local poisoning rates. However, especially since the gas is odorless, carbon monoxide still poses a risk.

A lack of public knowledge about carbon monoxide poisoning may also contribute to the danger it poses. Around the IU campus, knowledge was scarce about carbon monoxide risk in the coming months of closed doors and sealed windows.

Junior Chirag Agarwal said he is aware of the popular carbon issues, but the threat of poisoning doesn’t bother him much.

To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association recommends only using non-electrical space heaters in well ventilated areas, making sure vehicles are not left running in enclosed spaces and ensuring that every residence has at least one working carbon monoxide detector.

For more information about carbon monoxide, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html.