In the News February 2012
Kenneth Bargers, REALTOR®
a proud member of Pilkerton Realtors
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.
Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
- Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
- Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
- Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
- Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
- Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
- Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
- Do not idle the car inside garage.
ALERT: Put generators outside. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Do I need Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Article by: Dennis Sanders, Lee Company
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked. The short answer is yes. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the symptoms range from dizziness to extreme sickness. The only way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide is through the use of electronic devices.
Many believe that carbon monoxide is only a threat where gas appliances are present. While it is true that the most common culprits of leaking this gas in dangerous quantities are fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces, space heaters, and generators; you should still take precautions to protect yourself. Any device that uses combustion to work can malfunction and cause a leak.
Every year more than 500 Americans die from accidental exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, and thousands more require emergency medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.* Exposure to small amounts over time has also been attributed to many kids of birth defects and long term health issues.
The signs of exposure to carbon monoxide in quantity are different than most expect. Simply put, the gas affects your body’s ability to carry oxygen through your system. The carbon monoxide molecule bonds to hemogolben attached to red blood cells and prevent the transfer of oxygen to the cell. Most often the victim will begin to feel flush, becoming lightheaded then drowsy as the body begins to shut down non-vital systems to preserve itself as long as possible.
Most of the current carbon monoxide detectors available in the market can be considered reliable. Regulations have gotten stringent on their production, and now some states even require them along with smoke detectors. Placement is important with these devices, and one should be placed near every gas appliance, and in your garage. I also recommend keeping one in each bedroom hallway.
Maintaining detectors is key, few know that the lifespan of a carbon monoxide detector is at most 7 years. After that time the detector should be replaced. Using the test function only checks the battery and sounder, not the effectiveness of the device. Batteries should be changed quarterly and checked monthly.
A little caution can save a life, it’s worth the effort. Please consider the risk seriously then take measures to prevent this from happening to someone you love.
Please contact Dennis Sanders with Lee Company for your carbon monoxide evaluation and life safety service. (615) 567-1000; www.leecompany.com
Frequently Asked Questions (printable PDF)
The Silent Killer During the cold months in Tennessee it is important for all of us to evaluate the concerns of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the steps we all can take in reducing the risks of the Silent Killer.
