Which carbon monoxide

The good news is that carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented with simple actions such as installing a CO alarm and maintaining fuel burning appliances.

CO is produced whenever a material burns. Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems Common sources of CO in our homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as:.

Ideally, the level of CO indoors should be the same as CO concentrations outside. Paul metro area, outdoor CO levels typically range from 0. These levels are well below the federal standard of 9 ppm for CO in outdoor air. In general, concentrations are lower in rural areas and higher in urban areas. Finding CO concentrations higher indoors than outdoors indicates a source of CO either inside or very close to your home.

There are a number of ways people can be exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide while participating in activities such as camping, fishing, hunting and boating. It is important to know what appliances in your home are fuel-burning and make sure that they are maintained properly. All of these appliances should be vented to the outside. You should have your fuel-burning appliances ex. It is also a good idea to know the signs of a potential CO problem:.

Never use appliances intended for outdoor use inside. Examples include barbecue grills, camp stoves, portable generators or gas-powered lawn equipment. Do not use an oven to heat your home. Not only is it a fire risk, it is also a carbon monoxide hazard.

Do not run or idle your vehicle in an attached garage. These include stiffness, slow movements, and shaking. Heart damage, including coronary heart disease , can result, especially if a person is exposed over a long time. Urinary incontinence can develop in women with severe CO gas poisoning. Keep appliances in good working order, and use them safely. Have them serviced regularly by a qualified and registered professional. Some detectors have a digital readout.

Others give out a loud, high-pitched sound when levels of CO pass a certain limit. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, long-term exposure to 1 to 70 ppm of CO will not normally cause any harm, but people with heart problems may have chest pain.

Levels of over 70 ppm may cause noticeable symptoms, and if they reach above to ppm, they may cause disorientation, unconsciousness, and death. Dioxins are chemical compounds that are hazardous to health.

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Learn about plastics in seafood…. Share on Pinterest Every house should have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. Medically reviewed by Nancy Choi, M. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning. If the doctor confirms CO poisoning, make sure a qualified service person checks the appliances for proper operation before reusing them.

CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models. Consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor.

Alarms have a recommended replacement age, which can be obtained from the product literature or from the manufacturer. CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home.

CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. Never ignore an alarming CO alarm!

It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard. If authorities allow you to return to your home, and your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from all fuel burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment.

If problems are identified during this inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence. CPSC helps promote carbon monoxide safety by raising awareness of CO hazards and the need for correct use and regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances.

CPSC staff also works with stakeholders to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning appliances and conducts independent research into CO alarm performance under likely home-use conditions.

Many states and local jurisdictions now require CO alarms be installed in residences. Check with your local building code official to find out about the requirements in your location. CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used.

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