Posted by Greg Atwood on October 10, 2022 · Leave a Comment
As the winter months rapidly approach and the cold starts to set in, It is inevitable that people will start to break out the heaters. It is around this time of year that you will start to see an increase in the number of Carbon Monoxide stories in the news and especially in the hospitals. It’s the Carbon Monoxide I would like to talk about today.
What is Carbon Monoxide and how can I tell where it is?
Carbon Monoxide or CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is created from unburned Fuel Sources such as gas, oil or coal. So any appliance that uses fuel can create carbon monoxide. Heaters, Furnaces, Dryers, Cars, Fire Places, Chimneys, Generators, Barbecues, etc.. all have the ability to create carbon monoxide. Please make sure that any fuel burning item in your home has been properly installed and sealed, and that all manufacturer instructions for doing so have been followed.
Items that use electricity do not burn a fuel and do not emit carbon monoxide. While these items may pose a significant risk of fire when used improperly or left unattended, they do not burn fuel and do not pose a risk of Carbon Monoxide.
Common Locations of Carbon Monoxide:
- Automobile Garage – Cars warming up or left running in a garage will cause a build-up of Carbon Monoxide.
- Laundry Room – Laundry machines that run on natural gas or propane can emit propane.
- Basement – Furnaces and Heaters located in a basement or enclosed area can cause a build-up of Carbon Monoxide.
- Kitchen – Gas Appliances like ovens can emit Carbon Monoxide.
- Bedroom – Fuel burning heaters such as gas lamps and heaters can emit Carbon Monoxide.
What are the Signs of CO Poisoning?
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Difficulty Breathing.
How Can I Detect CO In My Home?
While CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas it can be detected with Carbon Monoxide monitors that can be bought at many stores. Things to know about CO detectors before you purchase:
- CO detectors come in many sizes.
- CO detectors are NOT all the same. Some detect non-lethal low levels of CO while others only detect potentially lethal high levels of CO. Please read the package on the detector you purchase.
- Some can be hardwired to your house alarm system and some use batteries AA or 9volt batteries.
Where In My Home Should I Place CO Detectors?
- CO detectors should be placed in areas of the house you spend the most time in. The living room, Family Room areas are great places to put them and they should also be placed outside the bedroom areas to alert occupants Before it reaches the bedrooms.
- CO detectors should not be placed next to or near items that emit a lot of heat as it may cause the device to malfunction. As always, please read and follow the instructions on whichever device you purchase.
What should I do if my CO detector is activated OR someone in my home begins to have the symptoms of CO poisoning?
- If the detector is activated you should immediately open doors and windows and go outside.
- Once outside, assess to see if anyone is having symptoms of CO poisoning.
- If anyone is having symptoms CALL 911 AND Follow the instructions they give you.
- If the alarm continues to sound call 911 and let the fire department clear the home.
For more information on Carbon monoxide you can contact the following:
- Your local Fire Department
- Underwriter Laboratories – 1-847-272-8800
- Utility Companies in your area. The Gas company for example.
As always, I urge everyone to err on the side of caution and CALL 911 if any concern exists about CO in your home. Please be safe and use your items carefully. Here in South Florida during hurricane Irma there were fatalities due to CO because people ran generators and motors inside of their homes while they slept and succumb to CO poisoning. Always run motors and any fuel burning device in an opened, ventilated area!
Be Safe and stay warm.
