It's tasteless, odorless, colorless and the number one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. It's carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon. It is present whenever fuel is burned. It is produced by common home appliances, such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, unvented space heaters, fireplaces, charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves. Fumes from automobiles also contain carbon monoxide and can enter a home through walls or doorways if a car is left running in an attached garage.
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. When breathed in, carbon monoxide bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen which cells need to function.
Whereas everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, those with greater oxygen requirements, such as unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with coronary or respiratory problems, are in the greatest danger.
While high levels of exposure to carbon monoxide can result in death, modest levels of exposure can cause flu-like symptoms which range from headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, and confusion to irritability. As levels increase, vomiting, loss of consciousness and brain damage can occur, according to reports by the Journal of American Medical Association.
If a home is properly vented and free of malfunctioning appliances, air pressure fluctuations or airway, venting or chimney blockages, carbon monoxide most likely will be safely vented to the outside. However, the more energy-efficient, tightly constructed homes don't produce the level of free flowing air as in earlier years. Therefore, it's important that all fuel-burning appliances are in good working order and properly exhausted to the exterior.
For example, a noisy furnace might contain a cracked heat exchanger that could be a significant source of carbon monoxide poisoning. For this reason we suggest that a heating professional be enlisted periodically to make an inspection of the home's heating system. This small investment will give you peace of mind, increase your comfort, lower your energy bill, and might even extend the life of the furnace. The same is true of other appliances in the home such as gas dryers, water heaters and ranges. Each should be properly exhausted. Check to make sure that the exhaust port at the dryer is securely connected to a vent pipe and to a dampered flue to the exterior. Under no circumstances should a dryer exhaust into living space, a basement, crawl space or attic.
Inspect the flue at the top of the water heater to ensure that it is centered over the exhaust port and that all connections are secure and the vent cap at the roof is unobstructed. Occasionally, a bird will build a nest within the vent cap inhibiting the free flow of air.
Exhaust fans should always be operated when using a gas range. As with the other appliances mentioned, the exhaust fan is only as good as its ability to discharge the air to the exterior. A fan that has dirty filters, oil-laden fan blades or is attached to a poorly assembled flue is virtually useless. Periodic cleaning of filters, blades and housing, along with a bit of lubrication, will enhance safety.
Most people know that it's essential to open the damper at the chimney before burning in the fireplace. What many folks don't realize is that that's only one of many safeguards that should be employed. There are several elements that influence proper combustion at the fireplace. Among them are draft, the condition of the fireplace and chimney and the material being burned.
Treated woods, painted wood and scrap lumber should never be burned in the fireplace. Seasoned firewood such as oak, almond and other hardwoods work the best. The fireplace should not be used as a refuse incinerator.
Periodic inspection and cleaning by a qualified chimney sweep is essential. This preventive maintenance serves several purposes. A hazardous build-up of explosive creosote can be removed and serious cracks in the flu or firebox can be detected and repaired. Left untreated these conditions can have a negative impact on proper exhaust and can even result in a chimney fire.
There are a couple of useful ways to improve combustion in the fireplace. One of the simplest is to preheat the flue. This involves bundling some newspaper to create a small torch that can be placed at the opening of the flu just above the firebox. This will heat the cold air in the flu and create a negative pressure condition that will draw air up and out the chimney. Another method is to install a layer of firebrick at the base of the firebox. The bricks needn't be mortared in. This process elevates the fire and decreases the size of the firebox.
Built-in indoor barbecues were popular in the '50s and '60s. One of their most important elements is the exhaust system. Under no circumstances should a charcoal grill or gas-operated barbecue designed for exterior use be used in the home or other partially enclosed area, such as a garage or basement.
A carbon monoxide detector monitors the air in the home to determine if carbon monoxide is present and, in some cases, at what level. Most detectors come equipped with a loud warning alarm to notify occupants of a potential health hazard. A test button can be used to periodically check that the device is operating properly. It's a good idea to have one located in or near the furnace room and another in the sleeping areas. Like smoke detectors, they are available for use via line voltage or by battery operation. Most can be installed in a matter of minutes. For a free brochure titled "Carbon Monoxide What you need to know about the leading cause of poisoning deaths in America," send a self addressed, stamped business size envelope to: CO Info, 415 N. La Salle St., 700B, Chicago, IL 60610.
