Carbon monoxide: an invisible killer

Every year in America, more than 400 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the U. S. Fire Administration. Another 20,000 people wind up in the emergency room.These kinds of tragedies can be avoided by understanding what carbon monoxide is, where it comes from and taking preventive steps to stay safe.What is carbon monoxide, and why so deadly?Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that can be generated by different sources. Gas-fired furnaces and stoves (both propane and natural gas), wood-burning fireplaces and stoves and motor vehicles all produce carbon monoxide. Unless a home has poor ventilation, or an appliance is malfunctioning, the level of carbon monoxide in a residence usually isnít enough to cause any problems. However, when people are exposed to high levels of the toxic gas, serious injury or death can result.Carbon monoxide interferes with the bodyís ability to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, an exchange that occurs through normal breathing. ìCarbon monoxide has an affinity for red blood cells,î said Glenn Levy, division chief of training for the Falcon Fire Protection District. ìIt attaches to red blood cells, which prevents oxygen from attaching to the cell, and also keeps carbon dioxide from being expelled. The more (carbon monoxide) you breathe in, the more youíll truly be suffocating.î Hospitals use hyperbaric chambers, which force oxygen into the blood, to treat severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposureSymptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are often mistaken for other ailments, such as the flu. They can include

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Disorientation

The type and degree of symptoms might vary between individuals, depending on age, general health, concentration of CO and length of exposure. Children and the elderly tend to be the most susceptible to carbon monoxide.To illustrate carbon monoxideís effects, Levy provided these facts:

• The amount of CO in outside air is about .1 part per million (ppm).
• The amount of CO in most homes is between .5 and 5 ppm.
• The amount of CO often found directly†above a gas fired stove when operating is between 5-15 ppm. This level is then diluted with air in the home so itís not noticed.
• At 100 ppm: Headache will occur in about 2 hours.
• At 200 ppm: Headache and loss of judgment will occur in 2-3 hours.
• At 400 ppm: Frontal headache will occur in 1-2 hours.
• At 800 ppm: Nausea and convulsions could be experienced in 45 minutes of exposure.

Levy stressed the importance of calling 911 if family members exhibit the above symptoms. ìIf things arenít quite right, call us to check out your home,î he said.Preventing carbon monoxide in the homeFire departments begin to see an increase in the number of carbon monoxide-related calls for service in the fall, as cooler weather prompts people to close up their homes and turn on heating systems. Furnaces and vent systems could develop leaks or other malfunctions after months of not being used. Aging furnaces could need adjustment or repair. Closed up houses exacerbate the effects of any carbon monoxide that is present.It is a good idea to have a qualified professional conduct an annual inspection of fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, vents and chimneys to ensure they are mechanically sound and functioning properly.Some additional tips for preventing accidental CO poisoning:

• Never use an oven or kitchen stove for heating a residence.
• Never run a car in the garage, even with the garage door open. ìThere is a tremendous amount of carbon monoxide, even if the garage door is open,î Levy said. ìCO is slightly lighter than air and will find its way through cracks into every corner of your home.î
• Never use a grill in a house or garage.
• Never use gas-powered generators indoors.

The importance of carbon monoxide detectorsBecause carbon monoxide is invisible, having a working detector is critical. ìIf you donít have a CO detector, you wonít know the carbon monoxide is there,î Levy said. ìWe want everyone to get CO detectors. Theyíre reliable and relatively inexpensive.ìMost CO detectors that you will buy for your home detect levels between 30 and 999 parts per million, but homeowners should check the various models to pick the best model for them. The important thing is early detection, early response and fixing the problem as son as possible.îInstall carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, near sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Test them monthly, and change batteries twice a year.If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, call 911, leave the house and wait for the fire department to arrive. Firefighters will use monitors like the one shown in this photo to determine CO levels and call for the utility company to respond if needed.ìNever be afraid to call FFPD,î Levy said. ìWe are here to make sure your home is safe and ensure you receive excellent medical care if necessary. We can provide peace of mind.îFFPD asks residents to call 495-4050 with any questions or concerns about the smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.