Are Dangerous Levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas in Your Home?
By Owen Whetzel
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless poison gas, which can be produced in harmful levels by fuel-burning (e.g., natural and liquefied petroleum gas [LPG], oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc.) appliances, such as a furnace, space heater, boiler, fireplace, water heater, etc. Caused by incomplete combustion of a fuel, CO poisoning is a major cause of injury and death in the United States. According to David G. Penney, Ph.D., a Professor of Physiology, and Adjunct Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health in the School of Medicine at Wayne State University, "(CO) … is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison, and for enormous suffering and morbidity in those who survive."
There are two steps you can take to minimize the risks of CO poisoning.
1. If you already have one or more CO alarms in your home, don't wait for one to sound before taking action. Heed the advice of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), which since September 2002 has recommended that consumers have each potential CO producing appliance inspected by a qualified service technician. "Having a professional inspection of your fuel-burning heating appliances is the first line of defense against the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning," said Hal Stratton, former Chairman of the CPSC.
2. If you haven't done so already, install one or more CO alarms in your home.
What needs to be inspected?
Here's a summary of CPSC recommendations for annual inspections:
1. Check chimneys, flues and vents for leakage and blockage by debris. Birds, other animals and insects sometimes nest in vents and block exhaust gases, causing the gases to enter the home. In addition, all vents to furnaces, water heaters, boilers and other fuel-burning heating appliances should be checked, to make sure they are not loose or disconnected.
2. Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected for gas leaks and adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel. Never block ventilation air openings. Also, make sure the appliance is operating on the fuel that it is designed to use.
How do I find a professional?
Seek out an individual or company, that routinely does inspections for CO, is well established and has a reputation for attention to detail and quality service. A Realtor may be able to refer you to one or more professionals.
How do I choose a CO alarm?
When choosing a CO alarm, the CPSC recommends that the device meet at least one of these standards: Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01, 2001; Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 2034, Second Edition, October 1998; or the International Approval Services 6-96, Second Edition, June 1, 1998.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.
The potential of CO poisoning is a serious matter worthy of attention. To borrow an old saying, don't put it on the back burner. Doing so, without knowing the burner is safe, can be an unhealthy -- if not deadly -- decision.
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Additional information on carbon monoxide (CO) is available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Web site, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html.
Dr. David G. Penney has a Web site, "CO Headquarters," at http://www.coheadquarters.com/CO1.htm.
For more information on the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit their Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.