Mansfield Fire Department
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide and who
is at risk?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless deadly gas. Because you can't taste or
smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it's there. Everyone is at risk for
carbon monoxide poisoning. Medical experts believe, however, that individuals with greater
oxygen requirements (such as unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people
with coronary or respiratory problems) are at greater risk.
Why is Carbon Monoxide so
dangerous?
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the
bloodstream. When inhaled, carbon monoxide bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing
the oxygen which cells need to function. When CO is present in the air, it rapidly
accumulates in the blood, forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
Carboxyhemoglobin causes symptoms similar to the flu, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea,
dizzy spells, confusion, and irritability. As levels of COHb increase, vomiting, loss of
consciousness, and eventually brain damage or even death can result.
Where does Carbon Monoxide come
from?
Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion, present whenever fuel is burned.
It is produced by common home appliances, such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers,
ranges, ovens, water heaters, or un-vented space heaters, fireplaces, charcoal grills, and
wood burning stoves. Fumes from automobiles also contain carbon monoxide and can enter a
home through walls or doorways if a car is left running in an attached garage. All of
these sources can contribute to a CO problem in the home.
If a home is vented properly and is
free from malfunctions, air pressure fluctuations and chimney blockages, carbon monoxide
will most likely be safely vented to the outside. But energy-efficient insulation meant to
keep warm air in during winter months and cool air in during summer months could cause
carbon monoxide to be trapped inside.
Furnace heat exchangers can crack,
vents and chimneys can become blocked, disconnected or corroded; inadequate air supply for
combustion appliances can cause conditions known as down drafting or reverse stacking,
which force CO contaminated air back into the home.
How Can I Protect myself and my
family from carbon monoxide poisoning?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing at least one
carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm near the sleeping area. A detector on every
level and in every bedroom provides extra protection.
Remember, a carbon monoxide detector
is a purchase that could help save your life. Select an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
(UL) listed detector. For an extra margin of safety, choose a self powered, extra
sensitive unit that responds to lower levels of carbon monoxide and protects even during a
power outage. In addition to installing carbon monoxide detectors, have a qualified
professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at
least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.
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