Carbon Monoxide, Detectors, and your Heating, Seattle

Posted on April 16, 2010. Filed under: 1 | Tags: air quality safety, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO detectors, home heating, seattle |

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning and symptoms:

High Levels: Can kill humans and animals in minutes.

“ Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

Medium Levels: Symptoms are similar to other ailments.

“At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint.”
“You can even die if these levels persist for a long time.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

Low Levels: Can cause lasting effects.

“Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health.”
“Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

“The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

Carbon Monoxide from Home Heating Equipment:

“Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result.”

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

“DO have your fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves — inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.”
“DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.”
“DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.”
“DON’T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.”
“DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html
“Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.”
“All gas appliances must be vented so that CO will not build up in your home, cabin, or camper.”
“When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.” http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

“Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up — BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don’t pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odorless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.”

” Don’t let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm.”
“If you shop for a CO detector, do some research on features and don’t select solely on the basis of cost. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports), the American Gas Association, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase.”
“Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for its placement, use, and maintenance.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html
Remeber to check the expiration date on your CO detectors. Some detectors expire after only two years.
Having multiple detectors is much safer than one. Detectors should be installed close to your furnace and water heater, and in at least one main sleeping area, and the most occupied living area to achieve the best safety.
“CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. ” www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
DO GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
DO Be prepared to answer the following questions for the doctor:

Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
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? http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

Most of this information was taken from the CDC and EPA. For more detailed information visit their websites with the links provided.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html