Carbon Monoxide

Reading assignment – Volume 2, 134A-134B

Important New Requirement for Illinois Residents - Illinois Governor Blagojevich signed into law on 6 May 2006, the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be in single and multi-family dwellings.  The effective date was 1 January 2007.  The law affects homes with fossil fuel appliances and/or attached garages, which includes over 80% of the homes in the state.  “Dwelling unit” means a room or suite of rooms used for human habitation, and includes a single family residence as well as each living unit of a multiple family residence and each living unit in a mixed use building.  Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.  Every structure that contains more than one dwelling unit shall contain at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.  The carbon monoxide alarms required under this Act may be either battery powered, plug-in with battery back-up, or wired into the structure’s AC power line with secondary battery back-up.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

!Now the #1 cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. 

!Now kills more people than fires.

!CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.

!CO is produced when carbon-based fuels burn incompletely.  Complete combustion of carbon and oxygen produces carbon dioxide, a non-toxic gas.

!CO can not be detected by any of our senses.  Only way to detect is with a CO alarm.

!High levels can kill.  Low levels cause headache, nausea, tiredness, and death.

!CO is a small molecule and slightly lighter than air (.97%).  It moves easily moves through cracks throughout the entire home.

!There is no safe level of CO!

How does CO hurt you?

!CO is absorbed 240 times faster than oxygen into the hemoglobin, the red coloring matter of red blood cells.

!CO combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHB).  The lack of oxygen in hemoglobin suffocates cells and eventually causes death.

!The first sign is usually a headache – brain cells deprived of oxygen.

!Symptoms:  Similar to the flu – headache, nausea, lethargic, however without fever.

!Many cases, victims become so disorientated, they are unable to save themselves.

!Hemoglobin regenerates every 120 days.

!Many residual effects – 40% memory impairment, 33% late deterioration of personality.

Who?

!Everyone is susceptible to CO poisoning.

!Adults with preexisting heart disease or congestive heart failure – greater risk for a heart attack.

!Healthy senior citizens.

!Children are at greater risk at lower levels due to higher metabolism – oxygen consumption.

!Pregnant females – a significant risk to the fetus.  CO dissipates slowly due to maternal blood transport complications.

!Smoke inhalation victims may become comatose at seemingly mild toxic levels of CO – due to inhalation of other toxic by-products like cyanide.

Where?  Sources of CO in the Home

!Incomplete combustion occurs in all fire burning carbon based fuel, even in the most efficient appliances.

!Cars in attached garages.

!Stupid heating tricks.

!Tight houses.

!New homes – false sense of security.

!Smoking.

!Neighbors.

When should CO poisoning be suspected?

!Entire family is sick at the same time.

!Flu-like symptoms decrease while away from the house or outside.

!Flu-like symptoms – no fever.

!Tie illness to time when gas appliances are in use.

How to buy a CO alarm?

!Check for the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) symbol.

!Look for:

1. digital display – monitors CO levels prior to alarming mode
2. peak level memory – recalls recent CO levels
3. if AC power, have battery back up – to protect in power failure.

Some Web sites to check out:

1. Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
2. CARBON MONOXIDE HEADQUARTERS
3. EPA Indoor Air Quality