Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
We're talking about health at home this week on Healthwatch. The home heating season isn't too far away, which makes this a good time to have your furnace, fireplace and other home heat sources inspected to protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say poorly functioning appliances cause most cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that's produced by the incomplete burning of fuels. Exposure causes dizziness, headache and fatigue, and it can lead to death. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never use appliances intended for outdoor use indoors - this includes things such as camp stoves or gas-powered generators. Don't run the car engine inside a closed garage. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you before your family is harmed by the gas. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open a window, get your family outside and call the fire department.
###
August 2005
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
