Post by FireGurl on May 15, 2006 14:03:52 GMT -5
Questions About Carbon Monoxide (CO)
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
CO is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas that is toxic in high concentrations. When inhaled it interferes with the body's ability to absorb oxygen.
What are the common sources of CO?
CO can be produced by any type of combustion. Any appliance, like a stove, furnace or water heater that uses natural gas can, if improperly installed cause CO to be released into your house.
What are some danger signs?
Stuffy or stale air; dripping water condensation on windows or walls (this may also occur if a humidifier is set to high); backdraft or soot from the chimney of a fuel burning appliance; or chalky white powder forming on the chimney or vent.
What are some of the symptoms?
CO symptoms can be confused with that of the flu, and therefore it is hard to detect CO poisoning. Symptoms can include: Mild-slight headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath,
Moderate-headaches, dizziness, weakness, vision and hearing impairment, fainting and loss of muscle control.
Severe-unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, coma, brain damage and death.
Generally if you have any of these symptoms, and they tend to disappear when you leave home, they may be caused by CO.
What to do?
If your CO detector goes off or if someone in your house is exhibiting symptoms of CO poisoning, leave your home, call 911 and ask for the fire department.
If there are no medical symptoms, and your alarm has not gone off, but you suspect that carbon monoxide may be coming from one of your natural gas appliances, DO NOT open your windows. Leave them closed. Immediately get everyone out of the house. Call Kitchener Utilities at (519) 741-2529 for an immediate inspection.
How do I reduce the risk?
Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances yearly. Have a certified contractor inspect your masonry chimney yearly. Keep the area around your furnace clear. Only buy equipment that is Canada Gas Association or Canadian Standards Association tested. Use a licensed fitter to install any equipment. After installation of any gas equipment, call Kitchener Utilities' Gas Service Department at (519) 741-2529, to set up an appointment for an inspection.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There are basically three types of CO detector available, a battery powered unit which may be connected in series, a 110-120 volt hard wired style which may be connected in series, and a plug in type which can be plugged into a 110-120 volt outlet. Any of these are acceptable provided the unit is approved (CSA, ULC, UL, etc...).
The recommended placement for use can be anywhere within a dwelling except in close proximity to a furnace, fireplace, or other heating appliance. Floor to ceiling placement is not important, as CO has the same specific gravity as air.
The requirements for sensitivity by Underwriter's Laboratories is a minimum of 100ppm on older detectors. All new detectors are now required to have a sensitivity of 70ppm. Sentence 9.32.3.8.(5) of the Ontario Building Code requires that a Carbon Monoxide Detector be installed in every room where a solid fuel burning appliance is installed. (new construction only).
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
CO is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas that is toxic in high concentrations. When inhaled it interferes with the body's ability to absorb oxygen.
What are the common sources of CO?
CO can be produced by any type of combustion. Any appliance, like a stove, furnace or water heater that uses natural gas can, if improperly installed cause CO to be released into your house.
What are some danger signs?
Stuffy or stale air; dripping water condensation on windows or walls (this may also occur if a humidifier is set to high); backdraft or soot from the chimney of a fuel burning appliance; or chalky white powder forming on the chimney or vent.
What are some of the symptoms?
CO symptoms can be confused with that of the flu, and therefore it is hard to detect CO poisoning. Symptoms can include: Mild-slight headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath,
Moderate-headaches, dizziness, weakness, vision and hearing impairment, fainting and loss of muscle control.
Severe-unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, coma, brain damage and death.
Generally if you have any of these symptoms, and they tend to disappear when you leave home, they may be caused by CO.
What to do?
If your CO detector goes off or if someone in your house is exhibiting symptoms of CO poisoning, leave your home, call 911 and ask for the fire department.
If there are no medical symptoms, and your alarm has not gone off, but you suspect that carbon monoxide may be coming from one of your natural gas appliances, DO NOT open your windows. Leave them closed. Immediately get everyone out of the house. Call Kitchener Utilities at (519) 741-2529 for an immediate inspection.
How do I reduce the risk?
Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances yearly. Have a certified contractor inspect your masonry chimney yearly. Keep the area around your furnace clear. Only buy equipment that is Canada Gas Association or Canadian Standards Association tested. Use a licensed fitter to install any equipment. After installation of any gas equipment, call Kitchener Utilities' Gas Service Department at (519) 741-2529, to set up an appointment for an inspection.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There are basically three types of CO detector available, a battery powered unit which may be connected in series, a 110-120 volt hard wired style which may be connected in series, and a plug in type which can be plugged into a 110-120 volt outlet. Any of these are acceptable provided the unit is approved (CSA, ULC, UL, etc...).
The recommended placement for use can be anywhere within a dwelling except in close proximity to a furnace, fireplace, or other heating appliance. Floor to ceiling placement is not important, as CO has the same specific gravity as air.
The requirements for sensitivity by Underwriter's Laboratories is a minimum of 100ppm on older detectors. All new detectors are now required to have a sensitivity of 70ppm. Sentence 9.32.3.8.(5) of the Ontario Building Code requires that a Carbon Monoxide Detector be installed in every room where a solid fuel burning appliance is installed. (new construction only).