Butler Volunteer Fire Department
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Why is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?

Carbon Monoxide is a gas that can be very prevalent in our everyday lives.  The issue comes in when we are in enclosed spaced with it.

Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of burning.  This means that wood burning, heating, vehicles running and various other events.  Carbon Monoxide is made up of the materials that cannot be burnt.

This gas is made up of one Carbon Atom and one Oxygen Atom.  It is quite often confused with Carbon Dioxide which has a second Oxygen Atom.  The main difference between the two is that Carbon Dioxide, or CO2, is given off when we breathe, then taken in by plants and turned back into Oxygen.  Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is given off by burning and can kill you.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas and therefore it can go through your home undetected.  This is why many homes now have not only smoke detectors, but also CO detectors.


Some symptoms of CO Poisoning are difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, blue skin and passing out.  If you believe you may have been exposed to this, get to fresh air as quickly as possible and contact 9-1-1. 


The Fire Department will respond and investigate with our gas meter to find a possible cause as well as gas levels in the home.  If necessary, we will also call PSE&G in to do a more in depth investigation, as well as fixing the problem. 

What does Carbon Monoxide do to the Body?

Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous because the body may not even notice it has gotten into the blood.  Generally your Blood Cells carry oxygen throughout the body.  The issue is that the body cannot tell the difference between CO and Oxygen.  Therefore, CO can attach itself to the blood cells and travel through the body.  When this happens, the body does not get the oxygen it needs and can cause the dizziness and passing out.

At this point, the body cannot bring in new oxygen, which can lead to death if not treated which is why it is very important to call for help.

When exposed to high levels, it may be required to be put in a Hyperbaric Chamber to allow oxygen to be forced back onto the blood.



IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, OR A CO DETECTOR IS ALERTING, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY AND GO OUTSIDE

Location

The Butler Volunteer Fire Department

The Butler Volunteer Fire Department is an organization that has proudly been serving the Borough of Butler since 1902.  We operate out of two firehouses.  Our membership is highly trained and skilled to help the members of our community in their time of need.  Our goal is to provide the help and support that you may need at any time as well as to support the community in various events throughout the year.

Contact Us

  • Home
  • Apparatus
    • Chief Vehicles
    • Engine 341
    • Engine 342
    • Tower 343
    • Rescue-Engine 344
    • Utility 345
    • Fire Police Vehicles
    • (Retired) Tower 343
    • Gallery
  • Members
  • Meet Our Members
    • MeetGallery
    • MeetSlide
  • JOIN BFD
  • History
  • MEMBERS AREA
  • Remember
  • ChickenBBQ
  • StPats
  • Donate
    • ThankYou