The Silent Killer

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200 people die each year from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters).  Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.  Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages.  Thousands of people go to emergency rooms for treatment of CO poisoning.

It is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels.  Gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, heaters, charcoal grills, automobiles, etc. all produce CO.

CO Poisoning
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever.  They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.  

The concentration of CO, together with the length of exposure and individual's health condition are important in determining the impact.  As CO levels increase, disorientation, unconsciousness and death are possible.

If you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.  Contact your fire department or other investigative resources to determine the cause of the CO and have the situation rectified before returning.

Allowable Levels of CO
There are some variances in allowable exposure levels.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration allows a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 parts per million (PPM) for 8 hours in industrial work environments.  The American Gas Association allows 15 ppm in indoor air (leakage at a heat register) whereas the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) stipulates 9 ppm in indoor air (leakage at a heat register).  

The most common level of CO indoors which triggers action from most local authorities having jurisdiction is 9 ppm.

Only install a CO detector or alarm that meets the requirements of UL 2034 or IAS 6-96 in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.  Make sure the detector cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.  Always follow the manufacturer's instructions installation, periodic testing, and maintenance of the detector.

• Never operate fireplace gas logs without the damper open and a damper clip installed.

• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.

• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.

• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the door open.

• Never service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skills, and tools.  Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or fuel-burning appliances.

• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.

• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows, or in any room where people are sleeping.

• Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors.  If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and whenever possible, place the engine unit to exhaust outdoors.