|
Carbon monoxide (CO) has been estimated to claim the lives of 10,000 Americans each
year. Many of these fatalities can easily be prevented through the use of relatively
inexpensive and easy-to-install carbon monoxide detectors. These devices look and
function much like smoke detectors, but contain special sensors that detect excessive
levels of carbon monoxide, rather than smoke. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines which indicate that continuous
exposure to carbon monoxide levels of 50 parts per million should not be exceeded
in an eight-hour period.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be highly toxic.
Individuals exposed to excessive levels of carbon monoxide can literally be poisoned
without even being aware of the danger. Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of fatal
poisonings each year in the United States. Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels
containing carbon (coal, wood, oil or gas) are burned without sufficient oxygen to allow
for complete combustion. As carbon monoxide enters the body through the lungs, it inhibits
the ability of the blood stream to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Exposure to low concentrations of CO can cause headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath,
and chest pains in persons with heart disease. Higher concentrations can result in severe
headaches, dizziness, disorientation, and various flu-like symptoms which mysteriously
disappear when away from the home or source of exposure. Extreme levels of exposure can
result in coma, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, and death.
- non-vented kerosene and gas space heaters
- leaking chimneys, down-drafts from wood stoves and fireplaces
- faulty furnaces
- poorly ventilated gas appliances
- car exhaust from attached garages
- tobacco smoke
If the alarm goes off, turn off appliances, or other sources of combustion at once.
Immediately get fresh air into the premises by opening doors and windows. Call a qualified
technician and have the problem fixed before restarting appliances. If anyone is experiencing
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, vomiting, call the fire department
and immediately move to a location that has fresh air. Do a head count to be sure all persons
are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises until it has been aired out and the problem
corrected.
The following precautions can help minimize the risk of CO exposure:
- Have furnaces inspected, cleaned and tuned up annually (be sure to check flues
and chimney areas for potential leaks).
- Be sure fireplace dampers are open before lighting a fire, and leave the damper
open until the ashes cool (smoldering ashes can actually produce more CO than a
fully-burning fire).
- Choose properly designed and sized wood stoves that are certified as meeting EPA's
emissions standards.
- Make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.
- Make sure gas flames and pilot lights are blue - yellow or orange-tipped flames
indicate that the gas is not burning properly and the equipment may need to be adjusted
(by a qualified professional).
- Do not start or idle automobiles with the garage door closed.
- Ventilate areas where people smoke to avoid CO buildup and minimize the risk of
exposure to children.
- Install CO detectors in key areas throughout the home - rooms near a garage, rooms
with space heaters, and hallways, living and sleeping areas (CO detectors should not be
installed in garages, kitchens or furnace areas, as the initial combustion of starting a
car, or turning on a stove or furnace, may trigger the alarm needlessly).
Following these simple guidelines can help keep you and your family from becoming unnecessary
victims. More information on CO detectors can be obtained from your local fire department or
local or federal government agencies.
|
