Learning about Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly toxic gas that is undetected to the human senses.  It is a by-product of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned from:

   Kerosene                                   Charcoal                                 Diesel fuel

Wood                                          Gasoline                                  Propane

   Coal                                             Oil                                             Methane

 Tobacco Smoke                       Natural or Liquefied petroleum (LP) gas

Because the gas is odorless, victims may become disoriented before realizing any danger, unable to call for help or exit the premises.  CO displaces oxygen in the blood, causing the brain, heart, and other tissues, muscles and organs to become oxygen starved, a condition called carboxyhemoglobin or COHb. 

Energy-efficient homes may be more susceptible to CO poisoning because they do not allow enough air in the home to dissipate normal CO output.

It is estimated that 300 deaths occur each year from CO poisoning and 10,000 people seek medical   attention due to CO inhalation.

OUTSIDE THE HOME

Cars, outdoor equipment, recreational vehicles

• Never leave a vehicle running in a garage with or without the garage door open.  Inspect for exhaust leaks.

• Never use fuel-burning heaters or lanterns while sleeping in tents, campers, RV's or other enclosed areas.

• Do not store propane tanks indoors.

• Start all gas, diesel, or propane-powered equipment outside.

• Use paint strippers and solvents outdoors or in adequately ventilated areas.

• Even with the door open, never use a barbecue grill in the garage or house, in a trailer, van or camper.

INSIDE THE HOME

Furnace, fireplace, wood stove, water heater, space or portable heaters, appliances

• Avoid extensive use of kerosene heaters; always vent to outside.

• Inspect and service heating and cooling systems before each season.

• Check water heater for improper burner adjustment and low supply of hot water.

• Keep fireplace flue open for adequate ventilation and until embers are completely burned out.

• If you see a mostly yellow pilot light not positioned upright, call for service, never adjust it yourself.

• Never install or operate gas-burning appliances, furnaces or water heaters in unvented enclosures.

• Examine chimney and vents for blockages, cracks, leaks, improper connections, rust, water streaking, stains; debris or soot; loose, damaged, discolored bricks or masonry; hot draft or none at all.

• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.

HOUSEHOLD GUIDELINES

Installation, maintenance, and operation of household devices to prevent formation of dangerous CO levels should include:

• Installation according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes.

• Maintenance through yearly inspections to eliminate problems before they become hazardous.

• Using proper fuel, operate according to manufacturer's direction.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

• Stuffy, stale, smelly air; exhaust fume smell; unfamiliar or burning odor

• Moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryer's exterior vent; soot on appliances.

• A furnace that runs constantly but heats inadequately; loose or missing furnace panels.

• Appliances that shut off, activating safety devices.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can mimic a common cold, a hangover, food poisoning, depression or flu (without body ache or fever).  If the family's (or pet's) symptoms decrease when away from the house, seek medical treatment or get a Carboxyhemoglobin level blood test for CO poisoning.  CO poisoning is especially toxic to infant and children; mother and unborn child during pregnancy; the elderly; smokers; people with anemia, coronary, or respiratory problems; and people with immune system diseases.

•  Dizziness, ringing in the ears                   

•  Persistent throbbing headaches                      

•  Cherry red skin                                                 

•  Fainting, unconsciousness                              

•  Sleepiness, never feeling rested                  

•  Rapid heartbeat or pulse                                 

•  Intoxicated appearance                                     

•  Confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control

•  Blurred vision, burning eyes

•  Tightness across the forehead

•  Nausea and vomiting

•  Shortness of breath, Chest pain

•  Tightening of the chest

•  Sudden Death

CO DETECTORS

CO detectors sound an alarm when unacceptable levels of CO are in the air.  Without testing instruments, CO is virtually impossible to detect.

• Look for UL-approval, standard 2034 detectors

• Install detectors on every level of the home, in the vicinity of heating units, and in RV's

• Be sure alarms can be heard from every sleeping area.

• Test the same way as smoke detectors.  CO detectors are NOT a substitute for smoke detectors.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS

• Leave immediately even if you do not feel symptoms.  Follow your home escape plan.  Open doors and windows (on your way out).

• Meet at pre-arranged meeting place,  away from the home.

• Call for help from another location.

• Never re-enter the home until help arrives and the danger passes.

WHO TO CALL FOR HELP

For symptoms of CO poisoning call 9-1-1, your local fire department, or the local gas company's emergency number.  Seek medical attention.  If alarm sounds and there are no symptoms, call a qualified appliance technician.  If a CO leak is suspected or you smell gas, call the local gas company immediately.  Professional can identify and eliminate the CO problem.

*Information provided by National Fire Safety Council, Inc.