Carbon Monoxide
- Dangers for Boaters Carbon Monoxide is not just something to protect yourself from when you're at home. This threat affects boaters every year, from speedboats to houseboats, it is a real threat with growing awareness: From 1981 to April
2007, there have been 141 documented boating related CO deaths, and 651
non-fatal poisonings reported in the U.S. (doubleangel.org)
Motorboats can release CO at
very high concentrations. The CO can accumulate in and around the
boat when idling, and can even be dragged behind the boat in what's
known as the "station wagon effect". CO on houseboats can be released
not only by the motor, but
also by the onboard generator. Many deaths have occured on houseboats
due to CO accumulating in cabins, and in areas around (and under) the
boat where children often swim. Just take a look at this comprehensive listing
from the Double Angel Foundation, cataloging boat-related CO poisonings
in the U.S.
You can protect yourself when boating by following some CO Safe Boating tips. We have collected a list of articles from various boating organizations that describe how to keep yourself CO Safe when boating:
We have also collected news articles relating to incidences of CO poisoning when boating. Please read them, in the window below, to educate yourself on this real risk: When
you're boating protect yourself, and your family,
with a Pocket CO detector:
|
