INTERIOR
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E
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WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which is released when fuels
are burnt. It is invisible, has no smell and is therefore very difficult to detect
with the human senses. Under normal conditions, in a room where fuel burning
appliances are well maintained and correctly ventilated, the amount of carbon
monoxide released into the room by appliances is not dangerous.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene,
and propane. Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not
properly maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can
rise quickly. CO is a real danger in “Air-tight” RVs with added insulation, sealed
windows, and other weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
The following conditions can result in potentially dangerous CO situations.
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by
outdoor conditions, such as:
A. Wind direction and/or velocity: including high gusts of wind.
Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods
between cycles).
B. Negative pressure differential resulting from sue of exhaust fans.
C. Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances com
peting for limited internal air.
D. Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers,
furnaces or water heaters.
E. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations.
2. Extended use of un-vented fuel burning devices.
3. Temperature increase that can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
The following symptoms are related to CO POISONING.
Mild Exposure
- Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, (“flu-like” symp-
toms),
Medium Exposure
- Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart
rate.
Extreme Exposure
- Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure,
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
WARNING:
Many causes of reported CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING indicate that while victims are aware that they are not well,
