Carbon
monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced as a
by-product of the burning of fossil or wood fuels. Statistics indicate
that approximately 200 people accidentally die from CO poisoning
and many more are treated by hospital emergency rooms. Because the
symptoms of CO are common, i.e. fatigue, dizziness, headaches and
nausea they can easily be mistaken. If any type of combustible is
burned in the house for any purpose, a CO detector is highly recommended.
CO in the home.
Carbon Monoxide is left over when fire burns its fuel. If a house
is primarily heated by oil, gas, propane, wood, or coal; a detector
is recommended near the furnace, especially if there is living space
near the furnace. When the systems are operating properly, CO entering
the home should not be a problem. Unfortunately, over time and use,
units may allow CO to enter the home without the homeowner being
aware of it.
Problems encountered routinely that allow
CO into the home are chimney pipes or flues from furnaces, hot water
heaters or gas clothes dryers that are improperly attached, corroded
or even missing. These connections should be checked once a month
to insure they are not leaking. A very good indication that they
are leaking is an accumulation of soot under or around the piping.
Another common problem, especially in older
furnaces are cracked fireboxes or heat exchangers. Because soot
and dirt can effectively hide these cracks, it is important to have
a licensed heating specialist inspect the inside of the furnace
checking for cracking and proper burner operation. Many companies
offer very good prices on yearly service plans so call around for
the best price. Some regional utility companies may offer the same
service and are worth exploring. Whichever route is decided, it
is important to keep the system well maintained.
Every year there are stories of people dieing
from CO poisoning because of unvented heaters, most notably Kerosene
heaters. These portable heaters can generate a lot of heat and a
lot of CO. If these heaters are to be used, it is highly recommend
that a CO monitor be used in conjunction with them. Proper ventilation
is a must and no matter how cold outside, a window or door should
be kept open to allow fresh to circulate through the room with the
heater.
Fireplaces and chimneys are another possible
source of CO into the house. A routine inspection of the chimney
should be conducted to insure that the chimney is not clogged or
the chimney opening is not obstructed. A chimney cap will help in
preventing animals from entering the chimney and causing problems.
A quality chimney cleaner should be consulted to clean the chimney
when a build up is noted in the chimney. This will need to be done
more frequently if a sappy wood is burnt like pine. Also periodically
check the flue openings venting furnaces as these stacks can also,
over time, build up soot and block proper venting of the exhaust.
One of the most common causes of death from
CO is caused by portable gas heaters. Care should always be taken
when operating these heaters in an enclosed area. Because these
heaters normally have a high BTU (measurement of heat the unit outputs),
they are very susceptible to both consuming large amounts of oxygen.
In a small, poorly ventilated room, these heaters can actually consume
most of the oxygen in a room. This coupled with the fact that they
are unvented and as such are replacing the burnt oxygen with CO
can lead to a potentially deadly combination. In any room where
a portable, gas-burning heater is used, a CO detector should be
placed.
Homes with attached garages in which the
car is parked in the garage can also cause CO problems in the home.
In colder climates, many people will start their cars in closed
garages to warm up the car. Depending on the size of the garage,
it may only take a couple of minutes for levels of CO to reach hazardous
levels. It is recommended that the garage be at least partially
open if the car is going to be run in it. If this option is not
desirable, a CO monitor should be placed in the garage in clear
view warning of high levels of CO. One final warning regarding garages.
Because the garage is an enclosed, indoor space, barbecue grills
should not be operated in the garage. Many of these grills, especially
those burning charcoal can emit large quantities of CO. If a grill
is to be used in the garage, the garage door MUST be left open.
A CO detector is also highly desirable in the garage to monitor
levels.
What is CO and how to measure it?
Carbon monoxide directly affects the hemoglobin in blood that carries
oxygen for the body. When it combines with the hemoglobin it forms
Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Depending on age and health, levels as
low as 10-15 percent COHb can be harmful. One of the most common
side effects of low level COHb exposure is headaches and dizziness.
It is very important not to discount a headache in a home where
CO poisoning is possible. If it is thought that CO poisoning is
a possible source of headaches or dizziness, immediately open windows
in the house to allow fresh air to ventilate throughout the house.
If symptoms persist, purchase a CO detector to test the levels of
CO in the house. Because there are quite a few different CO detectors
on the market, there are certain features that should be looked
for when purchasing one.
According to Consumer Reports magazine,
the most accurate CO models are those that are the plug-in variety.
Any model that is chosen should have the Underwriter Labs (UL) stamp
of approval. A good feature to look for is a constant read detector
that shows the CO levels with up to the minute data. Any detector
that is bought should have a Reset/ Hush switch so that the buzzer
indicating high CO concentrations can be turned off. The best detectors
will allow owners to reset them and start testing the air for CO
again. If CO is high; they will again sound an alarm. If the alarm
does sound repeatedly and symptoms of CO poisoning are being felt
by anyone in the house, either a qualified heating specialist or
the fire department should be called to investigate further. Leave
the house until they arrive to prevent further CO poisoning.
If the alarm goes off but no one feels the
symptoms of CO, open windows in the house and shut off all possible
sources of CO. Call a qualified repairperson to investigate further.
CO is a potentially deadly gas so any indications that there might
be CO infiltration should be investigated further immediately.
As with all components of a house,
routine inspection and maintenance should be conducted to keep the
systems in good working order. For heating systems, a service contract
should be started to regularly inspect the system. A chimney cleaner
should be contracted for regular cleaning of flues and chimneys.
A visual inspection of all piping that vents exhaust should be regularly
conducted.
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