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1. What is carbon monoxide and why is it so dangerous?

Definition

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas that results when natural gas and other fuels burn without sufficient oxygen.

Affect on the Body

Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiate and prevents needed oxygen from traveling throughout the body. Carbon monoxide combines more readily with hemoglobin (blood) than oxygen, thus disrupting oxygen transport. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood vary with carbon monoxide exposure levels, length of exposure and physiological factors.

Elevated levels of carbon monoxide can cause illness and even death. The elderly and persons with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are particularly sensitive to elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headaches, and fatigue; these symptoms are often mistaken for the flu. Persons exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide need fresh air immediately and should be removed from the hazardous environment.

Actions to Take upon Suspected Exposure

If you suspect elevated levels of carbon monoxide are in your home and you feel ill, you should go to a neighbor’s house and call 911. The fire department will test for levels of elevated carbon monoxide in your home to determine if it is safe to re-enter.

2. How can I determine if there are elevated levels of carbon monoxide in my home?

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The most effective way of determining whether there are elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home is to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors. There are two basic types of carbon monoxide detectors, plug-in or AC units, and battery operated units. Both alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide.

Plug-in Units

Plug-in units operate by heating a metal-oxide sensor, which reacts with carbon monoxide. When this type of unit detects carbon monoxide, the alarm sounds, but resets a few minutes after gas dissipates. Plug-in units can plug directly in a wall socket or utilize a power cord. If the unit has a power cord, it should be placed high on a wall, as close to the ceiling as possible.

Battery-Operated Units

The battery-operated unit has a disk that darkens from prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, air pollution, high humidity and household vapors. The infrared sensor in the unit senses the change in the color and sounds the alarm. It is important to remember that the battery and sensor units need to be replaced every two years.

Purchasing a Detector

Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at general retail and hardware stores. If you have additional concerns about a particular brand, you can call the manufacturer.

3. Where should I install a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in a hallway between bedrooms and the rest of the house. Additional detectors can be placed near every sleeping and living area. Do not place the carbon monoxide detectors in a room with a furnace! Do not place the detector in the kitchen or garage!

4. How can I prevent carbon monoxide buildup in my home in the first place?

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Effective ways to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home are to:

• Have a qualified contractor perform an inspection of your chimney
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home
• Keep your home well-ventilated
• Never idle your car in the garage with the door down
• Regularly check your appliances and perform routine maintenance

Contributors to Elevated Carbon Monoxide Levels

Activities that contribute to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the home should always be avoided. These include:

• Not checking it see if the chimney flue is open before starting a fire
• Not frequently checking the clothes dryer vent for a buildup of lint
• Not venting space heaters properly
• Using a gas or charcoal grill in the garage
• Warming up the car while still in the garage (even with the overhead door open)