|
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
CO is a colourless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is a by-product of incomplete combustion (unburned fuel such as gas, oil, wood, etc.) Low concentrations of CO can go undetected and can contribute to ongoing, unidentified illnesses. At high concentrations, it can be deadly.
WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?
If there is CO in the air you breath, it will enter your blood system the same way oxygen does, through your lungs. The CO displaces the oxygen in your blood, depriving your body of oxygen. When the CO displaces enough oxygen, you suffocate.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
• Symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to the flu, but can also include:
• Confusion • Headaches • Cardiac problems • Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue • Brain damage • Dizziness • Death
• Nausea • Dizziness and confusion
WHO IS AT RISK?
• Senior citizens • Unborn babies
• People with respiratory or coronary problems • Infants
• Pregnant women • Young children
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE?
Automobile exhaust in attached garages - This is responsible for 60% of all CO alarms.
Gas cooking appliances - Reported to account for 20% of CO alarms.
Poor draft/venting for fuel burning appliances - This is one of the most common and serious causes for CO build up and has been reported to account for up to 19% of CO alarms.
Poor combustion at furnace or water heater - Inadequate combustion air to the furnace can result in incomplete combustion. If the furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it is possible to get CO into the circulating air.
Leakage - A leak in a chimney or flue pipe.
Ventilation--Barbecues or other gas equipment operating in a attached garage, basement, or enclosed area.
HOW CAN I GUARD AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?
The first line of defense is to have your home heating systems, fuel burning appliances, flues and chimneys checked and/or cleaned annually by a qualified specialist.
Inspection checklist:
Blocked openings to flues and chimneys
Cracked, rusted, or disconnected flue pipes
Dirty filters
Rusted or cracked heat exchangers
Soot or creosote build-up inside fireplaces and chimney flues
Exhaust or gas odours.
Attached garages require gas proofing and automatic closers for doors into the
Adequate combustion air
Adequate venting on indoor combustion appliances (i.e-gas stoves)
The second line of defense is a CO detector.
|
|
