Carbon Monoxide

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?

CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas.
It is a by-product of incomplete combustion (un-burned fuel such as gas, oil, wood, etc.)
Low concentrations of CO can go undetected and can contribute to ongoing, unidentified illnesses. At high concentrations, it can be deadly.

WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

If there is CO in the air you breath, it will enter your blood system the same way oxygen does, through your lungs. The CO displaces the oxygen in your blood, depriving your body of oxygen. When the CO displaces enough oxygen, you suffocate.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

· Confusion
· Cardiac Problems
· Brain Damage
· Severe Headaches
· Breathing Difficulties
· Dizziness
· Death

WHAT CAN PRODUCE CO IN OUR HOMES?

Anything that burns fuel or generates combustion gases including:

· Gas Stoves
· Fireplaces
· Automobiles
· BBQ
· Furnaces
· Ranges
· Boilers
· Space Heaters

Solid fuels, such as wood, always produce carbon monoxide when they are burned. Gas and liquid fuels may produce no CO or very little.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE?

1. Automobile exhaust in attached garages

This is responsible for 60% of all CO alarms. People who warm their cars up in the garage are trapping CO inside the garage. The CO can find its way into the home.

2. Gas cooking appliances

Reported to account for 20% of CO alarms.
May be a result of a misused, poorly
maintained, poorly installed, or unvented
cooking appliance.

3. Poor draft/venting for fuel burning appliances -

This is one of the most common and serious causes for CO build up and has been reported to account for up to 19% of CO alarms. The products of combustion are not being safely expelled to the exterior. This could be due to venting problems, such as blocked chimney flues or inadequate venting for appliances or fireplaces. Other problems include poor installation and negative air pressure in the house, causing backdrafting, often due to exhaust fans.

Other problems include:

Poor combustion at furnace

Inadequate combustion air to the furnace can result in incomplete combustion. If the furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it is possible to get CO into the circulating air. It is also imperative that we do not deprive our heating equipment and fuel burning appliances of air; especially in air-tight homes where running exhaust fans can result in a shortage of combustion air. Combustion air is essential for safe operation of furnaces, water heaters, and other fuel burning equipment.

Leakage -

A leak in a chimney or flue pipe.

Ventilation -

Barbecues or gasoline powered equipment operating in a attached garage, basement,
or enclosed area.

Are there more problems with carbon monoxide today than 30 years ago?

Yes, due to -
More energy-efficient, air-tight homes
Less natural ventilation

How can I guard against carbon monoxide poisoning?

The first line of defense is to have your home heating systems, fuel burning appliances, flues and chimneys checked and/or cleaned annually.

CONCLUSIONS

CO detectors are designed to protect the average healthy human from death or serious injury under the current standards; however - People who are more susceptible cannot depend on these devices for total protection. In this case, more sensitive CO detecting equipment should be used.

Several groups are working with UL to improve the standards. October 99 revisions have already been drafted. There is room for improvement by imposing stricter standards as well as technological development.
It is critical that people understand the dangers of CO and that the people who investigate it are properly trained and are using CO testing equipment properly.

Where to install a CO detector?

One or more CO detectors in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Usually one per floor.
Maintain and test regularly as instructed by the manufacturer.

Cheers to Carson Dunlop for providing us with this valuable information! For more information please contact your leading Toronto home inspection firm.