Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel, such as oil, natural gas, propane, coal, or wood.

How does CO affect my body?

You take carbon monoxide into your body through your lungs. The Carbon Monoxide then bonds with the hemoglobin in your blood, displacing the oxygen that your cells need to function. Carbon Monoxide combines with red blood cells more quickly than oxygen causing a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) saturation. As more and more CO accumulates in the blood, the percentage of COHb gets higher, eventually causing suffocation. Mild CO poisoning often mimics the flu, but more serious poisoning can lead to difficulty in breathing and even death.

What are the physical symptoms of CO poisoning?

Physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting and, in severe cases, coma or death. Age, overall health, length of exposure, and the concentration of the exposure, measured in parts per million (ppm), all determine the degree to which a person gets sick. Higher concentrations are dangerous even for a short time. The table below shows typical symptoms based on concentration and time of exposure. Low concentrations of carbon monoxide, inhaled over a long period, are also dangerous. These low concentrations can accumulate in your body over time to cause the serious physical symptoms.

Are infants and older people more prone to CO poisoning?

Yes, those most vulnerable to carbon monoxide are unborn babies, infants, senior citizens and people with coronary or respiratory problems.

Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure:

Low Levels: Generally 35 ppm and below. Mid Levels: Generally 100 ppm and above if no one is experiencing symptoms. Dangerous Levels: Generally 100 ppm and above if someone is experiencing symptoms	Concentration of CO in Air (ppm = part per million)	Approximate Inhalation Time and Symptoms Developed
	50 ppm	The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure for healthy adults in 8-hour period, according to OSHA.
	200 ppm	Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.
	400 ppm	Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours.
	800 ppm	Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.
	1,600 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.
	3,200 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
	6,400 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
	12,800 ppm	Death within 1-3 minutes.

NOTE:

1% of carbon monoxide in the air equals approximately 10,000 ppm.

A car can produce as much as 100,000 ppm carbon monoxide per minute during start up and warm up periods. This level is reduced once the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

How can CO get into my home?

Carbon monoxide can enter your home through blocked chimneys, vents, or flue passages which, when working properly, exhaust gases from fireplaces, furnaces and gas appliances. Poorly adjusted or maintained appliances can also result in accumulation of CO in your living area.

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) could be generated from these areas

Car left running in attached garage.
Clogged Chimney.
Corroded or disconnected water heater flue.
Gas or wood-burning Fireplace.
Cracked Furnace Exchange.
Improperly installed kitchen range or vent.
Operating a grill indoors or in garage.
Portable paraffin or gas heater.

Can I see physical signs of CO in my Home?

Yes, burner flames that are yellow and waver or pilot lights that flutter or keep going out may indicate trouble. Other trouble signs to watch for include:

Very high humidity or soot coming from a fireplace or heating system.
A lingering pungent smell or water vapor condensating on a cold surface near a fuel-burning appliance.

How can I protect my family from CO poisoning?

Proper maintenance and venting of all fuel-burning appliances is crucial. Also, appliances such as outdoor gas grills and portable generators should only be used outside, in well ventilated areas. INSPECT ALL HEATING APPLIANCES BEFORE THE HEATING SEASON BEGINS! To further protect your family, place carbon monoxide detectors in key locations throughout your home. Should a CO problem develop, you'll be alerted to it before it can cause harm.

Carbon monoxide Detectors Save Lives!

*Carbon monoxide detectors that plug in to the wall with a battery backup system and have a digital readout indicating parts per million are the most reliable. *Electric powered carbon monoxide detectors use very little electricity. The yearly cost is only about $10.00.

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Some typical Carbon Monoxide Detectors with digital readouts

Where should I place CO detectors in my home?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every residence with fuel burning appliances be equipped with at least one UL listed CO alarm. Be sure that any CO alarm you purchase is UL 2034 listed. For maximum protection, two carbon monoxide alarms per household are recommended. CO detectors should be installed in common hallways near sleeping areas. Additional locations could be in great rooms, living rooms, or family rooms where occupants could spend a considerable amount of time. Children's playrooms are another good location.

Are CO detectors more effective near the ceiling?

Yes, carbon monoxide detectors are most effective placed at eye level or above, but not closer than six inches to the ceiling. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air so it rises to the ceiling. Placing CO detectors in the common hallway of the second story sleeping area will be very effective in detection and early warning.

What should I do if CO is detected in my home?

If anyone shows signs of CO poisoning, have everyone leave the home or building immediately and contact the fire department immediately.

Report the CO alarm from a neighbor's phone.
Advise if anyone is experiencing symptoms.

If no one has symptoms of CO poisoning: Open all windows and doors, turn off heating and cooking equipment, and call a qualified technician to inspect all equipment.

Watch for any symptoms of CO poisoning.
If symptoms appear follow the steps above.
Do not restart any possible sources until they have been inspected.

Contact your fire department with any questions or concerns regarding carbon monoxide. The Bainbridge Township Fire Department inspects for Carbon Monoxide and can assist if significant CO levels are discovered in a structure.

This site is provided by the Bainbridge Township Fire Department for the community that we faithfully serve.
Please contact Asst. Chief Bill Lovell with any bugs, comments or suggestions for improvement so that we can make this site more beneficial.

Last Revision: 11/05/04 Hit Counter