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Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Each carbon monoxide molecule is
composed of a single carbon atom bonded to a single oxygen atom. Carbon
monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as
wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil.
Where is Carbon
Monoxide Found
Carbon monoxide is
present in low levels in the air. In the home, it is formed from incomplete
combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not electric) device, including
ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, grills, space heaters,
vehicles, and water heaters. Furnaces and water heaters may be sources of
carbon monoxide, but if they are vented properly the carbon monoxide will
escape to the outside. Open flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the
most common source of carbon monoxide. Vehicles are the most common cause
of carbon monoxide poisoning.
CO Poisoning Symptoms
Know the symptoms of CO
poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches,
become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if
these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of
breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer-term effects on
your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu,
food poisoning, or other illnesses you may not think that CO poisoning could
be the cause.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon
Monoxide
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Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector.
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Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. Do not use your gas
appliance as a heater.
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Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented
one.
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Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
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Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
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Open fuels when fireplaces are in use.
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Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA
emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
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Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up central
heating system (finances, flues, and chimney(s) annually. Repair any leaks
promptly.
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Do not idle the car inside garage.
If the CO Detector
Alarm Goes Off:
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Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
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Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms
of poisoning.
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If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical
attention. Tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning.
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If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air;
turn off all potential sources of CO – your oil or gas furnace, gas water
heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any
vehicle or small engine.
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Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and
chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly and that there is nothing
blocking the fumes from being vented out of the house.
Placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector
is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the
sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. A detector should be
placed on a wall about five feet above the floor. A detector should not be
placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near
very humid areas such as bathrooms.
For more information on how to reduce your
risks from Carbon Monoxide (CO) and other combustion gases and particles
call EPA’s IAQ INFO Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318) or the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772).
When you buy your CO detector, look for the
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification on any detector you purchase.
For more information on
Carbon Monoxide, you can go to these web sites:
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