|
|
|
About
Carbon Monoxide
The
Senseless Killer
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, DC 20207
Govt. Printing Office: 1993 0-356-764
|
|
Can
you tell what it is?
|
Every year,
nearly 300 people in the Unites States die from this toxic gas. Can you
tell - can you smell - what gas it is?
The Answer
You
probably couldn't guess the answer from the "scratch and sniff."
That's because the poisonous gas that kills nearly 300 people in their
homes each year has no smell. What's more, it has no taste and no color.
The
gas is carbon monoxide (CO), and it is truly a "senseless"
killer.
Table of
Contents
What
is Carbon Monoxide?
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Clues You Can See
Clues You Cannot See
What Can You Do?
What You Should Not Do
What is
Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon
monoxide is produced by burning any fuel. Therefore, any fuel-burning
appliance in your home is a potential CO source.
When
appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO.
Improperly operating appliances can produce fatal CO concentrations in
your home. Likewise, using charcoal indoors or running a car in a garage
can cause CO poisoning.
Symptoms
of CO Poisoning
Carbon
monoxide poisoning can kill you.
The initial
symptoms of CO are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They
include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irregular
breathing
Remember, if
you have any of these symptoms and if you feel better when you go outside
your home and the symptoms reappear once you're back inside, you may have
CO poisoning.
Clues You
Can See...
- Rusting
or water streaking on vent/chimney
- Loose
or missing furnace panel
- Sooting
- Loose
or disconnected vent/chimney connections
- Debris
or soot falling from chimney, fireplace, or appliance
- Loose
masonry on chimney
- Moisture
inside of windows
|
SOURCES OF AND
CLUES TO A POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE PROBLEM
|
- Room
Heater
- Furnace
- Charcoal
Grill
- Range
- Water
Heater
- Auto
in closed garage
- Fireplace
|
|
Clues You
Cannot See...
- Internal
appliance damage or malfunctioning components
- Improper
burner adjustment
- Hidden
blockage or damage in chimney
|
ONLY
A Trained Service Technician can detect hidden problems
and correct these conditions!
|
What Can You Do?
- Make
sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions
and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by
professionals.
- Have
the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and
serviced annually.
- Follow
manufacturer's directions for safe operation.
- Examine
vents and chimney regularly for improper connections, visible rust or
stains.
- Notice
problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
- Decreasing hot water supply
- Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
- Sooting, especially on appliances
- Unfamiliar or burning odor
|
Install
a CO Alarm for Added Safety
Must meet the requirements of UL 2034-98
|
What
You Should Not Do...
- Never
burn charcoal indoors or in a garage.
- Never
service appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools.
- Never
use the gas range or oven for heating.
- Never
leave a car running in a garage.
- Never
operate unvented gas-burning appliances in a closed room.
|
NOTE:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that if you
suspect that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get
fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more
ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the
house. You could lose consciousness and die from carbon monoxide
poisoning if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a
doctor IMMEDIATELY for a proper diagnosis. Remember to tell your
doctor that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is causing your
problems. Prompt medical attention is important.
Proper attention and maintenance of combustion appliances in the
home is most important in reducing the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning. A carbon monoxide alarm can provide added
protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of
potential carbon monoxide sources. No detector is 100% reliable,
and some individuals may experience health problems at levels of
carbon monoxide below the detection sensitivity of these devices.
|
| Source:
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
CPSC and EPA Disclaimer:
The information
provided on this page is based upon the CPSC and EPA's current scientific and
technical understanding of the issues presented. Following the
advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all
situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by
indoor air pollution and other indoor environmental contaminants.
Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not
constitute CPSC or EPA endorsement or recommendation for use. |
EnTech Disclaimer:
EnTech Supply makes no claim as to the accuracy of
the information provided above, which is reprinted as a courtesy to
the reader from a CPSC/EPA document. The reader should conduct their own
independent research to verify the accuracy of CPSC and EPA's information. |
|
