Know The Sources of CO in Your Home

Carbon monoxide has taken the lives of entire families, left scores of people with debilitating physical and mental handicaps, and, sent hundreds more to hospital. So why do so few of us have the one inexpensive safety device in our homes that protects us from this deadly gas?

Carbon monoxide safety comes down to awareness and education. First realize the danger is very real. Second, you need to know the potential sources of CO in your home. Many people think they don’t need a carbon monoxide alarm because they have electric baseboard heaters. But they may have a gas water heater or stove, a gas or wood fireplace, or a garage or carport attached to their house. All these are potential sources of CO.

So long as carbon monoxide is vented outside, there is no danger. But if appliances or heating systems are not properly maintained, or chimneys and vents become blocked or cracked, deadly CO can seep back into your home…and you won’t even know it.

And since exposure to CO mimics the flu, many people make the mistake of thinking the symptoms they are experiencing will just “go away” in time. So they stay home from work or school hoping to get better, when exactly the opposite happens.

Installing protection is easy and inexpensive. You can find CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarms in any hardware store that cost on average about two cents a day to operate over their lifespan.
Installing one CO alarm per floor is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association but, at a minimum, install one outside all sleeping areas. Canadians seem to prefer models that feature a continuous digital readout.

A digital readout shows you any level of CO in your home so you can take action before the gas reaches dangerous levels. Look for models where the display is continuous, not models where you need to physically push a button to get a reading. That way you get instant peace of mind every time you glance at the alarm and see its zero reading.

What are some common sources of carbon monoxide in the home or workshop?

Most carbon monoxide produced in homes comes from combustion of fuel for heating and cooking.
 CO may accumulate in the home when a blocked chimney, broken chimney flue, or damaged furnace heat exchanger allows gases to enter the home. It can also enter the home from the garage when an automobile, lawn mower, or other engine is in operation. Backdrafting chimneys and flues (common when ventilation fans are used in tightly sealed homes) may allow combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter the home.
Gas stoves and ranges can produce CO, which can present problems if the appliances are used for prolonged periods or if they are not operated properly. Gas ranges are not intended to be used to heat the home. Some other common sources of carbon monoxide include unvented fuel burning space heaters and indoor use of charcoal for heating or cooking. (Note: charcoal should NEVER be burned indoors.)
Never run a generator in the home.

Posted on September 1, 2012 in Safety Updates

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