Carbon Monoxide (CO)

What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when fuel is burned - gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal. When the amount of available air for combustion is limited, more carbon monoxide is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented outside the house. A byproduct of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential problem from a number of sources - fuel-fired water heaters, furnaces, fireplace factory inserts, wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, cook tops, gas washer/dryers and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

How can Carbon Monoxide affect me? When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout the body. Carbon monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen does, preventing the flow of oxygen rich blood to the bodies vital organs - heart, brain. As carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream, the body becomes starved for oxygen. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to that for the flu and often mistake for the flu - headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, 

Could I be at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Yes, everyone is at risk. In fact, experts agree that unborn babies, small children, senior citizens and those with heart and/or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. These groups are at greater risk for death or serious injury. 

How can I protect myself from Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Purchase carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors are available for purchase at home improvement stores and hardware stores. A minimum of one carbon monoxide detector should be placed on the ceiling of each floor level in your home.  However, follow manufacturer specifications for proper placement and arrangement.  Keep up with routine maintenance on your appliances. You should schedule annual inspections and maintenance with a licensed contractor. Be aware of the possible sources of carbon monoxide in your home. Visually inspect all chimneys and vents for those appliances and ensure they are in good working condition. Learn the early signs and symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect you are being exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate the home and go to a neighbor’s house to and call the emergency number (911). 

What should I do if my CO Alarm sounds? You must get fresh air. Move outdoors, by an open window or near an open door. Make sure everyone in the home gets to fresh air. Call the fire department (911) from a fresh air location. Stay there until help arrives. 

Safety Tips outlinded by the NFPA:

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside. 

Videos Courtesy of the NFPA:

NFPA: Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisioning

NFPA: Free Carbon Monoxide Safety Tip Sheet - Download 

Additional Informational Links Regarding Carbon Monoxide: