Each year carbon monoxides poisoning kills hundreds of Americans. It is known as the silent killer as it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled.
Carbon Monoxide Defined
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines carbon monoxide as an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. It is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes which can kill before anyone is aware of its presence. Its symptoms, which are often mistaken for flu, include headache, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects can vary from person to person depending upon age, overall health and length of exposure. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion.
Carbon Monoxide Sources
The EPA lists among its sources as:
- Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters.
- Leakiing chimneys and furnaces.
- Back drafting from furnaces.
- Gas water heaters.
- Wood Stoves.
- Fireplaces.
- Gas stoves.
- Generators and other gasoline powered equipment.
- Auntomobile exhaust from attached garages.
- Tobacco smoke.
Among other sources are:
- Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters which can cause high concentrations in CO in indoor air;
- Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices---boilers, furnaces--with flues that are improperly sized, blocked, or is leaking.
- Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas.
Carbon Monoxide Health Effects
The concentrations of carbon monoxide can effect people differently. At low concentrations, health people may experience on fatigue will those with heart conditions may feel chest pain. At higher concentrations, people may experience impaired vision and coordination; headaches, dizziness; confusion; nausea; and similar flu-like symptoms.
At moderate concentrations, it can result in angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function. At very high concentrations, it can be fatal.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be avoided by making sure that combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Additions ventilation can be used for a short period of time as a temporary measures when high levels of CO are suspected.
To prevent exposure to the toxic gas:
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
- Replace unvented space heaters with those that are vented.
- Use proper fuel in kerosene and space heaters.
- Install and use an exhaust fan vented to the outdoors over gas stoves.
- Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
- Choose wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards and are properly sized. All doors on wood stoves should fit tightly.
- Inspect, clean and tune-up central heating systems (furnaces, flues, chimneys) annually and have repairs leaks promptly.
- Do not idle a car inside a garage.
Awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning can prevents hundreds of deaths in the United States each year. Information about products that prevent hazards can be found at The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, among other government agencies, have numerous fact sheets available at no cost to the public.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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