Staff Writer
“Aroostook County has nearly five times the rate of carbon monoxide poisoning as compared to other areas of the state,” according to Caribou Fire and Ambulance Chief Roy E. Woods.
“People have been closing up their homes in order to save as much heat as possible but with that heat you are saving,” he added, “you will also increase the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that will kill you and can only be detected with special equipment like a detector. “
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble those of the flu such as headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea and in severe cases, unconsciousness may result.
Some people may begin to feel better by just getting out into the fresh air.
“Be alert,” Chief Woods cautions, “now is the time to invest in a carbon monoxide detector for your home.”
