FIRE SAFETY TIPS 2005 - Carbon Monoxide
by Robert Keller, Fire Chief

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas. CO enters the body by respiration and is transferred to the blood via the lungs. Because we can’t see, smell or taste it, carbon monoxide can harm us before we are aware of its presence.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Carbon monoxide is a natural by-product of common home appliances such as gas and oil furnaces; natural gas clothes dryers, ovens, water heaters and unvented space heaters; and fireplaces, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves. Exhaust fumes produced by automobiles and small gasoline engines also contain CO. All of these are potential sources of carbon monoxide in the home.

When a house is properly vented and free from appliance malfunction or chimney blockage carbon monoxide gas safely passes to the outside of the building. Energy-efficient insulation and vapor barriers meant to keep warm air inside during the winter months can also trap carbon monoxide. As they age furnace heat exchangers have the potential to crack and chimneys can become blocked with bird nests. An inadequate air supply for combustion appliances can cause conditions such as downdrafts or reverse stacking, that force CO contaminated air back into the house.

Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk of CO poisoning, but some people are at greater risk than others. Infants, children and prenatal infants have a greater need for oxygen than adults. People with coronary and respiratory disease are also at greater risk.

How can I protect myself and my family?
The key to dealing with carbon monoxide is prevention. Proper maintenance of fuel burning appliances and heating equipment, and the proper use of wood burners and fireplaces will provide an acceptable level of safety. Manufacturers of fuel fired appliances and heating equipment recommend that a qualified technician clean and service their equipment each year. In addition, technicians will ensure that vents and chimneys are drafting properly. Chimneys connected to wood burning stoves and fireplaces should be cleaned at least once a year to remove creosote buildup. Small gasoline engines should never be run inside the house and automobiles parked in attached garages should never be warmed up inside, even with the overhead door open.

As the cost of natural gas increases the fire service anticipates that homeowners will explore the use of alternative heat sources. Wood, coal and kerosene are all potential heat sources and a source of carbon monoxide. Of particular concern are so-called ventless space heaters fueled by natural gas or kerosene. Manufacturer’s instructions direct users to provide an adequate source of makeup air by opening a window or door while their appliance is in use.

For additional protection consider the installation of a CO detector. The quality of carbon monoxide detectors has improved considerably during the past few years. Keep in mind that detector sensors are set to alarm based on an average sized healthy adult. Infants, children and those with a history of coronary and respiratory disease are affected by carbon monoxide at lower concentrations.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be vague but include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, carbon monoxide will cause unconsciousness and death. If you feel better after leaving your house and symptoms return once you are back in the house, be certain to check for carbon monoxide.

What should I do if my CO detector alarms?
CO detectors have two types of alarms. An intermittent alarm indicates a low level of carbon monoxide while a constant alarm indicates higher and possible lethal levels of carbon monoxide. If your CO detector alarms and anyone in your household feels sick, walk outside to fresh air and call the fire department (911) from a neighbor’s home. The fire department is equipped to treat persons suffering from CO poisoning, to detect the presence of CO in the house and to ventilate buildings. If however, everyone feels fine, simply turn off fuel burning appliances, open windows… to let fresh air in… and call a qualified technician to help locate and repair the carbon monoxide problem.

For more information on carbon monoxide, sources of carbon monoxide and CO detectors, contact the fire prevention bureau at (330)678-9244, Monday through Wednesday.

Contact Information
 BRIMFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
1333 Tallmadge Rd - Kent, Ohio 44240
Fire Chief: Robert Keller
Phone: 330-678-9244
Fax: 330-678-4234
E-mail: brimfieldfire@neo.rr.com