It can be said that fumes are a part of our lives. Have you ever stopped to wonder what it is in the air we breathe in every day? Outdoors, cars let out fumes. Fumes, soot, ash and various other chemicals are constantly produced by factories. Fumes are also released when garbage is burned, crops are sprayed, asphalt is rolled out and welding is done. Fumes are also known to cause headaches, and with the amount of air pollution in our environment nowadays, it is a miracle that we have not developed permanent headaches!
The list gets even longer indoors; just take a look at the following list for common fumes inside our own homes that we inhale regularly:
- Tobacco smoke
- Perfume
- Oven fumes
- Insect sprays
- Cleaning products
- Paint
- Flowers
- The smell of a new car
- The smell of a new carpet
Solvents:
- Turpentine
- Thinners
- Acetone
All of these fumes and odors have been known to trigger headaches.
Why Fumes Cause Headaches
Fumes contain irritants or toxins that can irritate the delicate lining of the nose, throat and chest. Consequently, the blood vessels in the nose react to the irritation by enlarging and pressing on the nerves, resulting to a headache.
When Bad Smells are Good
Quite often, unpleasant odors act as a warning signal that something, such as rotten meat or sour milk, can't be good for you. Similarly, the headache associated with fumes also serves as a warning, since your body is basically letting you know that it does not like the substance and that you should avoid it quickly.
Carbon Monoxide, the Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is clear and odorless. There is no haze, smoke or smell to warn you of its presence. This makes carbon monoxide a very dangerous substance because you do not get any warning sign. However, you can tell if carbon monoxide is present in your home if you get frequent headaches. In this regard, you can consider yourself lucky as some people simply experience drowsiness and then black out. To ensure the safety of your family, have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home right away.
Other Things You Should Do
If you get headaches in your home that go away when you are outside breathing fresh air, check the list below because doing so could save your life. In addition to the headaches, check if you also suffer from:
- Tiredness
- Muscle pains
- Upset stomach
- General lethargy
- Dizziness
- Unexplained illness
If some or all of the above holds true for you, then do the following:
- Check the flame on your gas range appliances. An orange color means that you have a big problem. A blue flame does not mean that it is entirely safe either. It is always a good idea to have your appliances checked annually.
- Check if your flue is blocked. If you are not sure, call a professional.
- Horizontal gas grills can pose a potential problem, particularly if you have an older model. Have it checked by a professional to be sure.
- Check your ventilation by inspecting air bricks and trickle vents. Not having enough ventilation means that carbon monoxide can be given off by your appliances.
If you are renting your home, make sure that your landlord issues you a safety certificate and that the appliances are checked annually. If your landlord does not do these things, let him know that the law requires these. And if you are a landlord, you are liable should a tenant becomes ill or dies as a result of your negligence. This is a crime and you can face prison time.
For more help on the prevention, treatment and remedies for migraines please see the Complete Guide To Migraine Headaches.
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