Carbon
Monoxide
What
is it?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that interferes
with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of
the body. It is produced by the incomplete combustion
of fuels.
What
Are the Major Sources of CO?
Carbon
monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete burning
of carbon-containing fuels including coal, wood, charcoal,
natural gas, and fuel oil. It can be emitted by combustion
sources such as unvented kerosene and gas space heaters,
furnaces, woodstoves, gas stoves, fireplaces and water
heaters, automobile exhaust from attached garages, and
tobacco smoke. Problems can arise as a result of improper
installation, maintenance, or inadequate ventilation.
What
Are the Health Effects?
Carbon
monoxide interferes with the distribution of oxygen in
the blood to the rest of the body. Depending on the amount
inhaled, this gas can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular
conditions, and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion,
disorientation, nausea, and dizziness. Very high levels
can cause death.
The
symptoms are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning.
Fetuses, infants, elderly, and people with heart and respiratory
illnesses are particularly at high risk for the adverse
health effects of carbon monoxide.
An
estimated 1,000 people die each year as a result of carbon
monoxide poisoning and thousands of others end up in hospital
emergency rooms.
What
Can Be Done to Prevent CO Poisoning?
-
Ensure that appliances are properly adjusted and working
to manufacturers’ instructions and local building
codes.
- Obtain
annual inspections for heating system, chimneys, and
flues and have them cleaned by a qualified technician.
- Open
flues when fireplaces are in use.
- Use
proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
- Do
not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
- Do
not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin, recreational
vehicle, or camper.
- Make
sure stoves and heaters are vented to the outside
and that exhaust systems do not leak.
- Do
not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in
enclosed spaces.
- Never
leave a car or lawn mower engine running in a shed
or garage, or in any enclosed space.
- Make
sure your furnace has adequate intake of outside air.
What
If I Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Don’t
ignore symptoms, especially if more than one person is
feeling them. If you think you are suffering from carbon
monoxide (CO) poisoning, you should:
-
Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows.
Turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
- Go
to an emergency room. Be sure to tell the physician
that you suspect CO poisoning.
- Be
prepared to answer the following questions: Is anyone
else in your household complaining of similar symptoms?
Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same
time? Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in
the home?
Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you
certain they are working properly?
What
About Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) detectors can be used as a backup but
not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance
of your fuel-burning appliances. CO detector technology
is still being developed and the detectors are not generally
considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found
in homes today. You should not choose a CO detector solely
on the basis of cost; do some research on the different
features available.
Carbon
monoxide detectors should meet Underwriters Laboratories
Inc. standards, have a long-term warranty, and be easily
self-tested and reset to ensure proper functioning. For
maximum effectiveness during sleeping hours, carbon monoxide
detectors should be placed close to sleeping areas.
If
your CO detector goes off, you should:
-
Make sure it is the CO detector and not the smoke
alarm.
- Check
to see if any member of your household is experiencing
symptoms.
- If
they are, get them out of the house immediately and
seek medical attention.
- If
no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with
fresh air and turn off all potential sources of CO.
-
Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning
appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating
correctly.
|
