Fires and Carbon Monoxide

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Although we don't do very much with Carbon Monoxide, at SERVPRO of Texarkana we do handle fire cleanups which go hand in hand with CO.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a scary and dangerous gas that can be found inside your home. The scary thing about carbon dioxide is that it is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas which means it cannot be detected by the human senses.

CO is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels and when exposed, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in your body and lead to poisoning. It's not just a hazard to your health; carbon monoxide is deadly.

Why CO is Dangerous

Since we cannot see, taste or smell CO gas, it is impossible to know you are inhaling it until you begin to become ill. The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, so you may just think you're sick with a virus rather than suffering from CO poisoning.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that around 400 people in the US fall victim to CO poisoning and die every year. This is why it is vital that CO detectors be installed inside your home in order to protect yourself and your family from CO leaks.