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Reducing Carbon Monoxide Deaths and Injuries
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which is very toxic when inhaled. CO combines with the blood’s hemoglobin 200 times more readily than oxygen, thereby excluding oxygen, which is needed to sustain life.
Though CO is odorless, colorless and tasteless, a malfunctioning heating appliance may emit an odor similar to vehicle exhaust. This is a clue that improper combustion is taking place and will get continue to get worse if not corrected.
Some times exposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.
It is possible to suffer from chronic CO poisoning when exposed to low levels of CO over weeks or months with only slight symptoms.
While everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, unborn babies, infants, young children, senior citizens and people with heart and lung problems are at a higher risk due to their greater oxygen needs.
Though CO incidents can occur at any time, they reach their peak during the winter months, when heating systems and auxiliary heating appliances are in full use. Overall, 75% of non-fire CO incidents are reported between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:59 p.m and peak between 6:00 p.m. and 9:59 p.m.
The National Fire protection Association urges individuals to follow these simple steps to ensure safety in and around their home.
- Install UL approved CO alarms inside to provide early warning of accumulating CO. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need a CO alarm.
- Forced air heating systems can spread CO from a malfunctioning furnace or appliance quicker than hot water or steam system.
- Know the difference between the sound of your smoke detector and CO alarm.
- Make sure everyone knows what to do when the CO alarm sounds. Move to a fresh air location, dial 911 and remain in fresh air until emergency personnel say its okay.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most alarms depending on type, biomimetic, semiconductor or electrochemical will last 5-10 years and some offer battery backup options for power outages.
- Have fueled heating equipment (fire places, furnaces, water heaters, wood/coal stoves, space or portable heaters) checked annually and have chimneys inspected for cracks, corrosion, holes or blockages by a professional before the heating season arrives.
- Your chimney must be at a standardized height above the top of the building and of sufficient size for the appliance(s). (contact your code enforcement)
- When installing and using any type of fuel burning equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local municipal fire and building codes.
- Provide outside makeup air for furnaces, modern airtight homes can cause burner malfunction over a period of time.
- Consider replacing un-vented fueled appliances with vented ones.
- Open windows periodically to air out your home, homes with high energy-efficient insulation can trap CO polluted air inside.
- Never use a gas oven or dryer as an alternative heating source to heat your home.
- If you need to warm your vehicle, immediately after starting, move it out of the garage and away from the opening, then allow the garage to ventilate for a minute or two before closing the overhead door.
- Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine in the garage, even if the garage overhead door is open. In cold weather, heated air currents in the home rise, this causes drafts of cooler air to be drawn around and from under doors. CO from a running fueled engine or appliance can be drawn into the home even with an interior door closed.
- During and after a snowstorm make sure that exterior vents for fuel fired dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are clear of snow build-up.
- When electrical power is out, use battery powered lights and equipment. Candles and kerosene lamps can be dangerous in the living space. Numerous candles can increase CO levels to the point that home CO alarms may activate.
- If using a wood stove or fireplace, be sure to use smoke detectors and CO alarms that have battery-backup features.
- Do not use portable, Butane/propane-fired heaters and lighting indoors. Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
- A generator should be placed well away from the home because CO can be pulled into the home through building openings and vents.
If you have a concern, question or require additional technical information contact your local code enforcement office and or fire department.
Colchester Fire and EMS
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