Carbon monoxide is a stealthy killer

What is carbon monoxide and how is it produced?

Carbon monoxide, CO, is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engine-powered equipment such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers and power washers also produce CO.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

Because CO is undetectable to the human senses, people may not realize they are being exposed. Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, symptoms can be can mistaken for the flu including headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, confusion and vomiting. For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures, victims can quickly become mentally confused and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.

What CO level is dangerous to my health?

The health effects of CO depend on the concentration and length of exposure, as well as each individual’s health condition. CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness and death are possible.

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and do not have a CO alarm, or my CO alarm is not going off?

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call 911 to report your symptoms from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone. 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 technician checks the appliances for proper operation before reusing them.

How should I install a CO Alarm?

CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is recommended 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 where the detector can be covered by furniture or draperies.

What should you do when the CO alarm sounds?

Never ignore an alarming CO alarm. It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard. If the alarm sounds, do not try to find the source of the CO. Immediately move outside to fresh air and call 911. Do not open your windows and doors on your way out as this may clear the CO out of the room before the fire department arrives, making it more difficult to locate the source. Do not re-enter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission. If the source of the CO is determined to be a malfunctioning appliance, do not operate that appliance until it has been properly serviced by trained personnel.

Does Alaska require that CO alarms be installed?

In 2004, the Alaska State Legislature passed House Bill 351 and joined 15 other states requiring installation of a carbon monoxide detector in most dwelling units in Alaska (AS 18.70.095(a)). Specifically, the requirement applies to dwelling units that contain or are serviced by a carbon-based-fueled appliance or a device that produces by-products of combustion; or has an attached garage or carport; or is adjacent to a parking space.

Should CO alarms be used in motor homes and other recreational vehicles?

CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO alarms in motor homes and in towable recreational vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.

Some information for this column came from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Document No. #466. Your question and answer may get answered in this newspaper. Christian M. Hartley is the Public Information Officer for the Houston Fire Department. Email your public safety questions to hartley@myopinionmatters.org.