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Posted by: westo,
on 7/25/2010,
in category "Layman Builder"
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Abstract: Electric generators can be lifesavers when your household electricity is disrupted, but they can also take a life when they are used inappropriately or by persons who are unaware of their potential danger.
Electric generators can be lifesavers when your household electricity is disrupted, but they can also take a life when they are used inappropriately or by persons who are unaware of their potential danger.
The carbon monoxide (CO) fumes emitted by generators can be fatal, often without the victims, (especially those who are sleeping), ever realizing the danger. When one inhale carbon monoxide, it displaces oxygen in the blood, then it goes to the brain preventing oxygen from reaching the brain, this causes brain death, which leads to physical death.
Last year, tragedy struck the family of Michael Aiwekhae, a prominent community leader in Ihogbe, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, when his entire household suffocated to death after inhaling fumes from their generator during the night. Another family of 13, from Ohaji-Egbema, a remote village near Owerri in Imo State, died from inhaling toxic fumes from their small generator while asleep. These two tragedies happened while the families were enjoying the last Christmas and New Year holidays.
Also last year, tears of sorrow flowed freely from the eyes of the inhabitants of Ibiye Morogbo Village, a suburb of Badagry area of Lagos when the news of the death of a couple and their mother in-law who suffocated from fumes from a generating set got to them.
Just like tobacco, generator fumes have long term damage to human organs. You may not notice the effect of the fumes on the human body immediately, but with time it begins to manifest.
Indeed, all kind of diseases are now manifesting in a very rapid manner in the country. And this may not be unconnected with generator fumes. A lot of women in Nigeria are developing fibroid, a lot of them are having cancer of the cervix, and a lot of Nigeria men are having cancer of the prostrate as well as hernia. These diseases may be connected with fumes from industrial machines and generators.
At lower level of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person depending on age, overall health and the concentrated and length of exposure.
Most of the deaths and injuries associated with generators are from CO poisoning from generators used indoor or in partially enclosed spaces. People put their generators indoors because of security purpose. They are afraid of thieves or other damages.
One of the most important cautions is to never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and far from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors. To be on a safer side, I advice generator users to always turn off their generators when going to bed.
Putting generator indoor or in a partially enclosed spaces is as bad as smoking 100 packets of cigarettes daily.