Carbon Monoxide

Facts on Carbon Monoxide

Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where hazardous air pollutants can exist at higher levels than outdoors. Children, pregnant women
the elderly and people with lung disease are particularly at high risk for adverse health effects caused by indoor air pollution, including carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide reduces the bloods ability to carry oxygen. You cannot see or smell Carbon Monoxide.

Carbon monoxide exposures especially affect unborn babies, infants and people with anemia or history of heart or respiratory disease. Breathing low levels of CO can cause fatigue and increase chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. Breathing higher levels of carbon monoxide causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. At very high levels, it causes loss of consciousness and death. At least 250 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to residential combustion appliances, and thousands of others become ill or seek medical attention.

Fuel-burning appliances not adequately vented and maintained can be a potential source of CO, including gas appliances (furnaces, water heaters, ovens, ranges, clothes dryers) fireplaces, wood and coal stoves, space heaters, charcoal grills, automobile exhaust fumes and gas-powered lawn mowers.

Cigarette smoke can also contain high levels of CO, as well as 200 other known poisons.

A furnace needs a good supply of oxygen to operate properly. The production of Carbon Monoxide is a two-part process: the fuel source (natural gas, propane, oil) combines with oxygen to product heat energy, carbon dioxide and other byproducts. If there is not enough fresh air, combustion will continue by using the carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide will be produced.

A crack in a heat exchanger can be just as dangerous. The process of the heat exchanger warming up and cooling down causes stress to the metal by process of expanding and contracting. Eventually, over a period of time, the metal will split, allowing carbon monoxide and other byproducts to enter the air flow of your house. A regular service checkup on the furnace will warn of any danger.

Air leaks in your ducting
Humidity Control
Dust Mites
Filtration