Carbon Monoxide Safety Information
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General CO Information
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless
poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the
blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.
Possible Sources
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline,
propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any
fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning, improperly
installed, or not ventilated correctly. Possible sources include
furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters,
portable fuel burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning
stoves and certain swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or
flues, back drafting and changes in air pressure, corroded or
disconnected vent pipes, and a loose or cracked furnace
exchanger can also cause CO. Vehicles and other combustion
engines running in an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas
grill or hibachi in an enclosed area are all possible sources of CO.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances
caused by outdoor ambient conditions such as: Wind direction
and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent
pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles),
negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans, simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances
competing for limited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating
loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters,
obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations, extended operation of unvented
fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.), temperature
inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the ground, car
idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
CO Safety Tips
Every year have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue
inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician. Always install
appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions and adhere
to local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by
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