Carbon Monoxide kills many people each and every year. This article will discuss how to deal with CO problems and poisoning.
There are many areas in and around one’s home that can produce carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide or CO results when there isn’t enough oxygen to combust the carbon present in fuel. This incomplete combustion results in the production of an odorless, colorless and potentially deadly gas that can cause confusion, headache, fatigue, nausea, disorientation, unconsciousness and eventually death. The key is to inspect all areas within the home, known to produce carbon monoxide on a regular basis and to install CO detectors throughout the house.
Culprits
There are many areas within the house that can produce CO. First, all fireplaces need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Flues and dampers on furnaces and heating stoves need to be open, free and clear of debris and not blocked. Blocked chimneys, cracks in vent pipes and loose gaskets can cause carbon monoxide backup. All these appliances and areas need to be regularly checked by trained professionals as well.
Other areas that can produce CO are car and lawn mower exhaust fumes. Cars should not be left running in the garage and all garage doors need to be open before starting them. All lawn mowers or other appliances that use any form of gasoline need to be started and used in well ventilated areas or outdoors. Charcoal burners and grills should also never be used indoors.
Warning signs
The following are signals of potential carbon monoxide problems in heating systems, fuel-burning appliances and furnaces.
- Streaks of carbon soot found around the door of the fuel-burning appliance
- No chimney draft present
- Rusting of fuel pipes
- Fallen soot in fireplace
- Water leaking around the base of the chimney, flue or vent
- Discolored or damaged bricks on the top of the chimney
First aid
If CO poisoning is suspected the most important thing to do is to get fresh air. All windows and doors need to be opened, all combustible appliances need to be turned off and everyone should leave the premises immediately. The fire department must be called as soon as possible to inspect and fix the problem. If a CO detector goes off, the same advice needs to be heeded. If any of the symptoms mentioned in the introduction are experienced, medical attention needs to be sought out without delay. Unusual grogginess in infants and toddlers needs to be examined by a doctor to rule out CO poisoning.
CO detectors
Not all CO detectors are made alike. Good detectors have the Underwriters Laboratory certification on the detector itself. Everyone should make sure that the detector is installed per manufacturer’s instructions and one should be on every level of the house. A CO detectdor also should be in or just outside any bedroom that’s used. Installation in areas such as the kitchen, garage or furnace room, should be avoided to prevent false alarms. If wired to a central station, it should be checked monthly to ensure transmission. All battery operated detectors need to be checked regularly and have their batteries changed at least once a year.
With a little diligence, most CO problems can be avoided. Regular inspections, maintenance, good ventilation around carbon burning appliances and common sense will eliminate most of these dangers. CO monitors, properly installed, will give extra peace of mind to everyone in the household.
References
Mendelson,Cheryl.Home Comforts:The Art & Science of keeping House.Scribner,1999
