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 Of Carbon Monoxide
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the
most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached garages can also
produce dangerous levels of CO.
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline, diesel,
propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any fuel-
burning appliance that is malfunctioning, improperly installed, or not
ventilated correctly, such as:
Possible sources include furnaces / boilers, 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, or a loose or cracked furnace exchanger
can also release CO into your building. 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/boilers,
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 gases 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 professionals and
inspected after installation.
12. General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information
