The Pierre Volunteer Fire Department has responded to two calls dealing with carbon monoxide issues during the past week or so.
In both situations, Chief Ian Paul says a carbon monoxide detector alerted people to the potentially dangerous conditions.
Paul says a carbon monoxide detector is especially important if you depend on fossil fuels to provide your heat source.
According to the Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide poisoning affects the brain and heart the most. Exposure over time might lead to symptoms that can be mistaken for the flu without the fever. They say symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
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