18:00 15.05.2006 | All news from "Real Estate News"

Guard Against Carbon Monoxide

When you think of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, you might think of fires or mine accidents. But the deadly gas can also be an everyday threat.

If you don't have and properly use a carbon monoxide detector, something as simple and sweet-sounding as birds nesting in your chimney may cause problems. Birds? They nest in places with warm air during the colder months, as humans do. But when they snuggle up in your chimney, they block the flue and thus inhibit circulation of fresh air into your home.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home

Some ideas for preventing carbon monoxide problems in your home, from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, Consumer Reports and the D.C. fire department.

· Make sure appliances are installed according to instructions and building codes, preferably by professionals.

· Make sure carbon monoxide detectors meet requirements. The newest models are the safest bets.

· Have a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters and stoves at least once a year, because parts can be damaged or deteriorate.

· Learn the signs of potential carbon monoxide problems, such as: streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of a fuel-burning appliance; lack of a draft around a chimney; excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliances; moisture on windows and walls in furnace rooms.

· Never burn charcoal inside enclosed spaces such as a home, garage, vehicle, boat or tent, including motor homes and recreational vehicles.

· Never use portable fuel-burning equipment inside enclosed spaces such as a home or vehicle.

· Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the outside door open.

· Have fuel-burning appliances professionally maintained. If you do any work yourself, including minor adjustments, follow the manual carefully.

· Never heat your home with gas appliances not meant for that purpose; never leave the oven door open.

· If you use a space heater, choose one that is vented.

· Always have an exhaust fan over a gas stove.

· Always open flues when you use a fireplace.

· Don't use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors.

· If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately by walking outside. Then open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any fuel-burning appliances and leave the house again. Quickly call 911 for medical assistance; delay can be fatal. Tell the emergency dispatchers your symptoms and that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't turn those appliances on again until they are properly inspected.

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And that allows carbon monoxide to build up. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, it can sneak up on you and accumulate in your system. You may feel as if you have been bitten by a flu bug, but carbon monoxide can kill you. By the time you feel ill, you have already breathed in toxic levels and need to get some fresh air -- fast.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Consumer Reports say that hundreds of Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands more end up in hospitals for treatment. Sources include fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters), charcoal burned inside a house, garage or other enclosed space, or cars left idling in attached garages.

Poorly functioning, leaking or blocked ventilation systems of these units cause carbon monoxide to seep into rooms, risking harm to occupants.

Carbon monoxide is deadly because, when inhaled, it interferes with oxygen intake, which explains the flu-like symptoms: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

"Babies, children, pregnant women, people with circulatory or respiratory ailments and the elderly are more sensitive to carbon monoxide than healthy adults," said John Burger, battalion chief of the D.C. fire department.

Sources vary on the exact level of exposure that causes problems. Burger said carbon monoxide exposure above 35 parts per million (ppm) over several hours is dangerous, and levels over 200 ppm are fatal in minutes.

The consumer product commission's Web site says symptoms of headache, fatigue or nausea may appear at carbon monoxide exposure above 70 ppm and "disorientation, unconsciousness and death" above 150 ppm to 200 ppm. On its Web site, Consumer Reports says there is danger of unconsciousness and death at 400 ppm.

Avoid problems by being aware of the threat, limiting exposure and using detectors.

In the Washington area, carbon monoxide detectors generally aren't required by law, although they are in some other municipalities and states, including New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. Consumer safety groups and fire departments, however, strongly recommend them.

Not all detectors are the same. They range in price from about $10 to about $200, depending upon what you buy and where.




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