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This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Westchester Medical Center. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

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Westchester Medical Center Warns Residents Of Carbon Monoxide Dangers

MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. -- Westchester Medical Center is advising residents to take precautions and change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, in addition to changing clocks for daylight-saving time.

Dr. Kausik Kar, medical director of the Hyperbaric Unit at Westchester Medical Center.

Dr. Kausik Kar, medical director of the Hyperbaric Unit at Westchester Medical Center.

Photo Credit: Contributed

This year, daylight-saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday Nov. 2.

CO (carbon monoxide) is a commercially important chemical that is formed in many chemical reactions. However, it also is deadly and often is referred to as the “silent killer.” It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. CO also is formed as a result of the decomposition of many organic materials. Dangerous levels of CO can accumulate when the fuel is not burned properly as a result of poor installation, poor maintenance, failure of, or damage to, an appliance in service or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the carbon monoxide is unable to escape. “Carbon monoxide can produce a wide range of effects on people exposed to concentrations as low as 50 parts per million,” said Dr. Kausik Kar, medical director of the Hyperbaric Unit at Westchester Medical Center.  “Symptoms may range from mild headaches and dizziness to more serious symptoms, including nausea, lethargy and even convulsions. Unfortunately, many times the more mild symptoms are often attributed to illnesses such as the flu and left untreated, resulting in  the more serious complications and even death. If you believe you have a CO leak in your home or that you are suffering from the effects of CO poisoning, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.”

In addition, people with heart or respiratory problems as well as infants, small children, unborn children and their expectant mothers are at an increased risk for suffering from the effects of CO poisoning at a much quicker rate and may be the first to show symptoms.

CO detectors are available locally in many stores and can be installed in just a few minutes using small hand tools. 

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Westchester Medical Center. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

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