How Long Does It Take To Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

As a homeowner, achieving a high indoor air quality rating is essential for your health. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans suffer from monoxide poisoning every year because they do not monitor their faulty appliances.

How long does it take to get carbon monoxide poisoning? The answer varies depending on a few factors. Port Washington's trusted carbon monoxide installation and inspection company can help you understand this toxic gas.

Read the following guide to carbon monoxide poisoning, then call Professional Services at 262-214-5548 for an air quality inspection.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas that can cause severe respiratory illness or even death in large doses. Automobile engines, camping stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters produce high levels of carbon monoxide. That is why monitoring your property and developing a practical home exit plan for carbon monoxide leaks is vital.

Small carbon monoxide leaks can fill every room in your house with poisonous gas within eight hours. Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes.

The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals.

Exit the property and call 911 if you suspect your home has a gas leak.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Low concentrations of CO exposure can result in nausea, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can also kill living cells and lead to brain damage.

High concentrations of CO can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, irritability, and coma. Older individuals and those living with poor respiratory health are at higher risk for death during exposure.

Symptoms may start to appear within just minutes of exposure. If you worry that your home has a carbon monoxide leak, don’t ignore the problem. Losing consciousness in an enclosed space can cause death within less than 20 minutes.

What Should You Do If You Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health concern. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. This way, you can receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment before long-term complications appear.

Once you receive adequate medical attention, call a home inspection contractor to locate the source of your CO leak. Reputable technicians, like those at Professional Services, will respond to your request quickly and deliver quality repairs. It’s important not to return to your house until professionals have a chance to take care of the leak. 

Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

Many homeowners wonder, “How long does it take to get carbon monoxide poisoning and receive treatment?”

As previously mentioned, CO poisoning can occur quickly. However, treatment could take longer.

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning could take just a few hours or several weeks, depending on the severity of your injury. Typical treatments include rest, controlled oxygen intake, and anti-nausea medication. Expect your doctor to provide a comprehensive recovery plan during your initial visit so you know what to expect.

What Problems Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Fuel burns around 3,560 degrees Fahrenheit and can produce up to 400 ppm of carbon monoxide in just a few minutes. The most efficient way to burn fuel is with an engine, stove, or furnace. That is why cars, kitchen appliances, and HVAC systems are most likely to cause CO poisoning without proper upkeep.

Poorly ventilated appliances can cause CO to build in your air ducts and plumbing, allowing gas to circulate throughout the home. 

Turning on your vehicle’s engine inside an enclosed garage can also cause high concentrations of CO to linger in the air.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can avoid CO poisoning by monitoring your gas burning appliances year-round. Hire a professional home service technician to inspect your HVAC system, plumbing, and kitchen utilities to avoid surprise disasters. Additionally, you should also keep your rooms ventilated when cooking or using the fireplace. Open one window in your room, then crack a second one to allow optimal airflow out of your property. Understanding how many carbon monoxide detectors you need is crucial for ensuring comprehensive coverage and safety in your home.

Protect Your Home and Health With Professional Services

Protect your home and learn what air quality sensors measure by hiring our world-class team at Professional Services. We can help you lower your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by checking your appliances for damage and setting them to the appropriate gas range settings.

We provide 24/7 solutions so you can repair harmful gas leaks quickly.

How long does it take to get carbon monoxide poisoning? Contact Professional Services in Port Washington, WI, for more information. Call 262-214-5548.