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Carbon
Monoxide Frequently Asked Questions
Tracking Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that
interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest
of the body and is highly poisonous.
What are the major
sources of carbon monoxide?
Carbon
monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete burning of fuels
including coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, gasoline, diesel,
kerosene, and heating oil. It can be produced by portable
generators, small gasoline engines, charcoal grills, gas stoves,
automobile exhaust from attached garages, and smoking tobacco.
Problems can arise as a result of improper placement,
installation, operation, maintenance of carbon monoxide-generating devices or
appliances. Improperly designed or malfunctioning exhaust
systems for permanently installed home combustion appliances may
also contribute to elevated carbon monoxide levels. Portable generators and
charcoal grills are major sources of carbon monoxide and should never be
operated inside enclosed or partially enclosed buildings or near
doors, windows and openings to the house.
What are the
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Depending on
the level of exposure, carbon monoxide may cause fatigue, weakness, chest
pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon
exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of
coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in
severe cases, death.
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What should
you do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning?
If
you think you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning,
you should get fresh air immediately. Turn off all
combustion appliances and leave the house. Go to an
emergency room. Be sure to tell the physician that you
suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't ignore symptoms, especially if
more than one person is feeling them. In cases of severe
carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Poison
Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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What can be
done to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure
that all household combustion appliances (fireplaces, stoves,
water heaters, furnaces) are properly adjusted and working to
manufacturers' instructions and local building codes and make
sure stoves and heaters are exhaust vented to the outside and
that exhaust systems do not leak.
Do not use ovens and gas ranges
to heat your home. Do not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin,
recreational vehicle, or camper, and never leave a car or lawn
mower engine running in a shed or garage, or in any enclosed or
partially enclosed space. NEVER use gas-powered generators or
pressure washers inside any building or structure. Ventilating
a building or structure will not prevent the buildup of life
threatening levels of carbon monoxide. Do not locate portable generators or
portable gasoline engines near any opening of the house
(windows, doors, window air conditioners, exhaust vents).
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What about carbon monoxide alarms?
Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The US Consumer
Product Safety Commission recommends the installation of carbon
monoxide
alarms in every home. Install battery operated carbon
monoxide alarms or
plug-in carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup according to
manufacturer's installation instructions. The carbon
monoxide alarm should
be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards
for carbon monoxide alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, CSA 6.19.01).
REMEMBER: Carbon monoxide alarms can be used as a backup but not as a replacement for
proper use, placement and maintenance of your fuel-burning
appliances or gas powered portable equipment. Also, understand
that carbon monoxide alarms are designed to sound an alert at fairly high
levels. Lower level carbon monoxide exposure below the alarm threshold could
still contribute to adverse health effects in susceptible
individuals (persons with heart or lung disease for example).
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Where can I find more information about Carbon Monoxide?
For more information, please
see the
Links section of our
Carbon Monoxide page.
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