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WHAT
IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is
produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural
gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by
lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. Household
appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters,
charcoal grill or gas dryer can be sources of carton monoxide,
especially if they are not in proper working condition, or have been
installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages,
as well as improperly operating fireplaces also can become carbon
monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for
energy efficiency.
WHAT
ARE THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON THE HUMAN BODY?
When we
breathe, carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells in the
blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies needs to survive. Carbon
monoxide combines red blood cells over 200 times more easily than
oxygen and creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin
saturation. Carbon monoxide then gets carried to the vital organs
through the bloodstream instead of oxygen. Our organ tissues require
oxygen; without it, our bodies start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It
takes the body much longer to eliminate carbon monoxide than to
absorb it, which is one reason why exposure can be so dangerous.
WHAT
ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?
Unfortunately,
the symptoms caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily
overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure, most
people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure can
cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation,
confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure can lead
to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and
possibly death.
WHY
ARE NEW, WELL SEALED HOMES MORE
SUSCEPTIBLE
TO CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING?
Newer homes
are better sealed to prevent air leakage, which reduces energy use.
As a result, these homes limit ventilation, of outside air.
Normally, your home breathes in air from the outside to replace air
being used by combustion appliances. If your home is too
well-sealed, these appliances may become starved for the air that
allows them to operate properly. When that happens, vent reversal
may occur. This condition is also known as "downdrafting,"
which means that the appliances start drawing air down the vent or
chimney, resulting in combustion byproducts entering the home. In
other words, if the burners become starved for oxygen, carbon
monoxide can be introduced into the home. But even older, less
insulated homes can he vulnerable to the threat of carbon monoxide
poisoning, particularly if the appliances have been improperly
installed or not maintained.
WHAT
CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT OUR HOME FROM
THE
DANGER OF CARBON
MONOXIDE
POISONING?
Prevention is
the most important step. Taking proper safety measures will reduce
your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because vehicles are a major
cause of carton monoxide poisoning, always back your car out of the
garage to let it warm up. Never leave it running in the confined
space of a garage, particularly if
the
garage is attached to the home. The same holds true for lawn mowers
or motorcycles. Never use ovens or grills for heating devices.
Home heating
systems represent only 5% of the many potential sources of carbon
monoxide. They are designed to be safe, efficient and not produce
substantial amounts of carbon monoxide. However, it is important to
schedule annual maintenance visits by a qualified technician to
check all combustion appliances to make sure they are operating
properly and to be sure that all chimneys and vents are connected
properly and not blocked.
WHAT
CAN BE DONE ABOUT DETECTING CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE HOME?
The best
method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector in your
home. A carbon monoxide detector is a device, very similar to a
smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and sounds an
alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have one
detector adjacent to every living area in your home.
Carbon
monoxide detectors are most effective when used in combination with
preventive maintenance. For more information on how to schedule
regular maintenance for your furnace or about purchasing a carbon
monoxide detector, please feel free to call us.
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Sick Building Syndrome
"Sick
Building Syndrome" is the name commonly used for energy
efficient buildings that don't have proper filtration systems to
trap and remove the pollutants that build up in the air, or
non-properly maintained systems.
Some common
pollutants include: Dust, mold and spores, pollen, pet dander and
smoke. Whether in your home or work place, these pollutants make hay
fever and allergy sufferers miserable. They also cause general
feelings of discomfort and queasiness.
Pollutants
also harm your air conditioning equipment and seriously reduce its
life and energy efficiency, which costs you money.
These
pollutants are so small -- a large pollen particle is half the size
of a sharp pencil point -- that most everyday filters don't catch
them. In fact, a standard throwaway filter in your air handler traps
only about 15% of the pollutant particles in your air. The rest just
keeps circulating over and over again, until you breathe it
in.
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Fire Prevention
To reduce the risk of a
heating-equipment fire in your home, follow the manufacturer's use
and maintenance directions. Get in the habit of moving anything that
can burn a good distance away from heat sources - at least one yard.
When buying new portable heaters look for UL-listed models with
automatic shut-off technology that stops the operation if the heater
tips over.
If you use a kerosene heater, be
aware that this type of heater is illegal in some areas - check with
your local fire department before purchasing. Kerosene is a
flammable fuel which must be used with extreme caution:
- use the type of kerosene
recommended by the heater's manufacturer (never substitute
another fuel for a heater designed to burn kerosene)
- refuel outdoors only, and only
after the heater has cooled completely
- clean up spills immediately
Plug a portable electric heater into
a receptacle, not an extension cord, so you don't overload the
circuit.
Always use a screen or glass doors on
working fireplaces because sparks and embers can easily pop out of
the opening.
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The Impact of
Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a
smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes
- single - and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes,
dormitories, etc. - were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980's,
smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in all new and
existing residences - existed in 38 states and thousands of
municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been
adopted by all of the model building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and
influential public education role in alerting the public to the
benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid
penetration of both the marketplace and the builder community has
been the development and marketing of low cost alarms by commercial
companies. In the early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three
bedroom home with professionally installed alarms was approximately
$l000; today the cost of owner-installed alarms in the same house
has come down to as little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for
the entire home. This cost structure, combined with effective public
education (including key private-public partnerships), has caused a
huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or
buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms
on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be simply stated.
When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning as an early
warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50 percent.
Alarms are most people's first line of defense against fire.
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke
alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household. This
alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by
providing the chance to escape.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and
those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means
of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an
early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke
alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install
to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the
basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early
morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and
outside the sleeping area.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8
inches below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many deadly
gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will
provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry
smoke alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are
unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire
department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will
provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke
alarms for little or no cost.
Are smoke alarms hard to install?
Not a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver.
Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the
wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow
the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is
different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a
relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will actually
install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire
department (again, on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have
problems installing a smoke alarm.
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps
to remember.
- Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday
and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke
alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These
alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus
avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm
starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the
batteries and reset it.
- Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their
operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it
alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember
to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear
the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in
place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.
How long will my smoke alarm last?
About eight-to-ten years, after which it should be replaced. Like
most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to
write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit.
That way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow the
manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything else I should know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired."
This means they are connected to the household electrical system and
may or may not have battery back-up. It's important to test every
smoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old
ones.
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