How Fumes Cause Headaches
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Defined Tag: Other Headache Types.

How Fumes Cause Headaches

Ever since man built factories, created machinery and rode cars, fumes became a part of life. Fumes have invaded the very air we breathe. Factories discharge fumes, ash, soot, and a variety of other chemicals on a daily basis. Cars give off fumes on the road.  Fumes are released everywhere, when people burn garbage, when farmers spray their crops, when engineers roll out asphalt and when builders weld their steel. Fumes and other particles in the air that shouldn’t be there cause headaches and this is the reason why millions of people the world over often suffer from headaches.

Fumes are released indoors too. As innocent or desirable some may seem, they are still fumes that we inhale. The list includes tobacco smoke, oven fumes, perfume, insect sprays, paint, cleaning products, flowers, the smell of a new carpet or car, and solvents (thinners, turpentine, acetone). All items enumerated are known to set off headaches.

When fumes are inhaled, the irritants and toxins they contain irritate the delicate mucosal lining of the nose, throat and chest.  As a reaction to the irritation, the blood vessels in the nose swell and press onto the nerves, which then become a headache.

When is Something that Smells Bad Good?

Most often, obnoxious odors alert us on the availabilitly of undesirable objects like rotten meat, sour milk or spoiled food. In the same manner, headaches related to fumes are meant to caution you of the presence of harmful substances that threaten your body, and you should take steps to avoid them.

Carbon Monoxide, the Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is gas produced by burning material with carbon content. It is a clear and odorless gas, and there is no way to know of its presence other than feel its effects on you. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poising include headaches, nausea and fatigue which can be suspected mere flu.  Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage and, in severe cases, death. During the old days of coal mines, they used canaries to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the mine shafts. Today, we are lucky to have modern detectors to warn us if there is carbon monoxide in the air  Install one in your home as soon as possible to ensure your and your family's safety.

Other Things You Must Do

If you frequently experience headaches, but only when you’re inside the house and if your head clears everytime you go outside to take in fresh air, you need to consider seriously the suggestions offered below as they may save your life.  Do check if other than the headaches, you also experience the following: tiredness, upset stomach, muscle pains, dizziness, letharg and unexplained illness. Should you observe any or all of these symptoms manifesting with you, then you must:

* Check the gas flame of your cooking range.  Ideally you should do this periodically. It should have a bright blue appearance. A yellow or orange flame means the appliance needs service work. 

* Check that your flue is clear and not blocked. Better yet, call a professional.

* Even horizontal gas grills could be a source of problem, especially the older models.  Ask a professional to check on this regularly.

* Check the venting of your gas furnace and water heater.  Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure that your appliances are not emitting carbon monoxide.

If you do not own your home and are renting it, ask your landlord for the safety certificate if he had not issued you one when you first moved it.  Also, make sure that your appliances are periodically checked, at least once a year. These are legal requisites in any lease arrangement with which your landlord must comply.  If on the other hand you are the property owner and are leasing it to another party, be aware that you could be criminally liable in case a tenant gets ill or dies because of your negligence.

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