We have all walked into a “stuffy” room before and felt the urge to leave a door open or crack a window. This is a natural and safe response to poor indoor air quality. The issue with carbon monoxide (CO) is that the human nose can not detect it and exposure to concentrated doses can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds. It forms when there is not enough oxygen, such as when operating a stove or an internal combustion engine in an enclosed space.There are numerous ways CO can sneak up and knock you out. Some common sources are automobile exhaust from attached garages, generators and gasoline powered equipment.
Most people know about these sources and they are easy enough to avoid. However, the more ominous and less obvious situations are chimneys leaking or back drafting caused by appliances that burn wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas. The simple measures of detection and fresh air could help to prevent CO poisoning.
Avoid Exposure
The first step in avoiding exposure to carbon monoxide is being able to detect it. A combination carbon monoxide and fire detector sells for around $18.00. If your alarm alerts you of high levels of CO, ventilation can be used as a temporary measure. The next important step is to have your combustion equipment evaluated for proper adjustment and maintenance. Here are a few examples of common problems that are found during home evaluations:
- Gas dryers venting inside a home
- Gas appliances improperly adjusted or leaking
- Exhaust fans over gas stoves venting inside a home
- Fireplaces not venting/drafting well (black soot above the mantel)
Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Low concentrations of CO lead to subtle symptoms such as fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. With higher concentrations you may experience impaired coordination, confusion, headaches, impaired vision, dizziness and even nausea. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims it can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving an area with high concentrations of CO. Carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin which interferes with the oxygen carrying ability of red blood cells.
There are also concerns that some sensitive groups, including older adults and young children, could be susceptible to lower levels carbon monoxide and that the current standard may not be protective enough. A wise man once said that wealth is useless if you aren't healthy enough to enjoy it. If you have any symptoms that may be related to carbon monoxide exposure, please see your health professional for a diagnosis.
The use of carbon monoxide alarms should not be a substitute for proper use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances. Understanding sources that may introduce carbon monoxide exposure into a home and the symptoms of exposure can also help protect you and your family. The EPA offers a general carbon monoxide fact sheet "Protect Yourself and Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" and an updated version that addresses some of the concerns about older adults and carbon monoxide exposure.
