a publication of Montana State University Extension - PDF document

1 18 a publication of Montana State U
18 a publication of Montana State University Extension by Barbara Allen, MSU Extension Housing & Environmental Health Program Manager I t has no color, odor, or taste and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it kills over 400 people and sends at least 15,000 Americans to the gas given o� by gas furnaces, cars, charcoal grills, propane stoves, and portable generators. Most unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings happen in January, and the second most in December. The fewest are in the summer months of July and August. As we begin another Montana winter, it is important to recognize the causes and signs of CO poisoning to keep your family safe and healthy. People su�ering carbon monoxide poisoning o�en don’t realize it. This is because the symptoms – headaches, feeling Non-lethal CO exposures can cause long-lasting brain issues such as learning and memory impairments. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC recommends: Every year, have a quali�ed technician check your heating systems, water heaters, and other gas-, oil-, or coal- burning appliances. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in homes and change the batteries when you change the Seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of your dizziness or nausea. Never use generators, camp stoves, charcoal grills, or any other gas- or oil-burning device inside the home. Never use these devices outside the home near a window. Never run a motor vehicle inside the garage, even if the garage door is open. vented to the outside. Never heat your house with a gas oven. You can learn more about carbon monoxide and how to prevent exposure to it at the CDC website (cdc.gov/co) or by contacting your county Extension o�ce. CARBON MONOXIDE - the silent killer SEEDS - continued from page 9 T o submit a seed sample, place the seed into a tightly sealed container to prevent contamination. Cloth bags, heavy-stock envelopes, and zip- montana.edu/seedlab/submission.html to include with the sample. Send the sample via USPS to Montana State Seed Lab, PO Box 173145, Bozeman, MT 59717-3145 or by FedEx/UPS to 1911 West Lincoln Street, Marsh Labs; Room 40, Bozeman, MT 59718. Montana State University requires the following for common seeds: Small-seeded legumes and grasses (alfalfa, clovers, timothy bluegrasses, etc.): Sandwich size bag �lled or ½ quart; 4 oz/¼ pound. Cereals, sa�ower, �eld peas, lentils or similar-sized seed: Gallon bag �lled mostly full. For pulse pathogen testing, submit 3 pounds. For more information, contact the Seed Lab at 406-994-2141. PHOTO BY CARRIE ASHE PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLIPART.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIPART.COM Across Montana, there are over 120 agents and specialists in Extension who are MSU faculty members, living and working in more than 60 oces and communities statewide. ese professionals serve in their local communities and counties, responding to emerging needs of families, producers, businesses and industry. PHOTO BY TRACY MOSLEY