Carbon Monoxide Safety

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF CARBON MONOXIDE

Colorless - Undetectable by sight

Odorless - No detectable odor

Tasteless - Leaves no taste in the mouth

Flammable - combustible between 12.5% and 74% volume in the air

Not much lighter than air - 0.9672 specific gravity

Toxic - With sufficient exposure, carbon monoxide is deadly

 

SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN HOMES

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. This incomplete combustion may be from any fuel that utilizes a carbon base. Types of carbon base fuels include wood, tobacco, coal, kerosene, gasoline and natural gas.

Potential sources of carbon monoxide are any appliance, machinery or process that burns these fuels. Besides gas appliances, other sources of carbon monoxide may be kerosene heaters, internal combustion engines, fireplaces and even smoking. It is important for the gas technician to be made aware of these and other potential carbon monoxide sources when performing an investigation.

If you feel you have a carbon monixide build up in your home you can contact your local health department or fire department.

 

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide can only enter the body through the respiratory system. It acts to asphyxiate the body by combining with the hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying component of the blood. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream causing asphyxiation to occur. The amount of carbon monoxide absorbed by the body depends on the following factors:

  • Carbon monoxide concentration in the air
  • Length of exposure
  • Breathing rate
  • Exposure to fresh air between carbon monoxide exposures
  • Degree of physical activity
  • Physical fitness

 

SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning appear to be "flu-like." The most common of these symptoms are:

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Weakness

Increased perspiration

Vomiting

Later stages of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are much more severe. They include:

Shortness of breath

Extreme muscular weakness

Mental confusion

Unconsciousness

Intermittent convulsions

If these symptoms are not immediately treated or the person is exposed to dangerous levels for any length of time, death could possibly occur. If these symptoms are experienced and thought to be associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

 

SAFETY TIPS

  • Replace filters regularly. Most are inexpensive.
  • Have your furnace and water heater inspected annually.
  • Look fo signs of improper venting.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Have chimney inspected and cleaned as needed.
  • Check oven pilots for carbon build up.
  • Never run your car while in a garage.
  • Never line burners with foil.