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Should
I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide ( CO2) in my home?
Q: Should I be concerned
about carbon monoxide in my home?
A: Carbon monoxide
can be an invisible threat to your family's health and safety. Though
more commonly associated with fires and automobile emissions, carbon monoxide
poisoning can accumulate in any home unless certain precautions are taken.
That's why Lennox is getting the word out that carbon monoxide poisoning
is preventable.
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 carbon 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 with the 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 CO 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 be 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 CO 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 carbon 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 snowmobiles. 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, call your local independent
Lennox dealer.
© Copyright Lennox
Industries Inc., 1999 - 2001
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