Carbon Monoxide Safety

The silent killer

An all too common story

As the popularity of carbon monoxide alarms increases, a common story has emerged. Concerned individuals go out to purchase carbon monoxide alarms, and upon installing these new detectors they notice that the alarm goes off for no apparent reason. It is only after reading the directions in desperation to find out the cause of a false alarm that the individual realizes they have a carbon monoxide problem.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

If no carbon monoxide alarms are installed the only way the presence of carbon monoxide can be detected is by its effects on individuals. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide effects include severe headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, and fainting. Even with moderate levels of carbon monoxide death can result if the problem persists. Recognizing the symptoms is important because they can be confused easily with other ailments such as the flu or food poisoning.

Steps to take

1. Have a qualified technician check your furnace and other fuel-burning appliances once a year. The technician should have an advanced carbon monoxide analyzer such as a Bachrach Monoxor II. Using the analyzer the technician should check for high emissions from appliances such as the furnace, water heater, range and oven while they are in operation.

2. Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms only last for five years so be sure to replace aging models. Newer alarms sound only when carbon monoxide levels reach seventy parts per million. This is a level that may exceed what is safe for pregnant women, children and the elderly. It is because of this that I recommend an alarm with a digital readout and memory so that levels can be tracked over time.

3. If an alarm goes off it is important to have the reading verified. Having test done to check you blood level for carbon monoxide at the fire department or at an emergency room can do this. If the levels are verified, fuel-burning appliances should be shut down until a professional technician can be brought in.

4. Believe it or not your well insulated home can present a problem. Because of the seal that insulation provides carbon monoxide can be vented back into the home. Exhaust fans can often circulate properly vented carbon monoxide back into the home. There is also the problem of the replenishment of air used for combustion in a furnace. If your home is sealed in such a way that fresh air is not replenished the proper venting of carbon monoxide will be effected.

More information on carbon monoxide detectors