Carbon Monoxide — All the Facts
Carbon monoxide is responsible for thousands of emergency room visits and hundreds of deaths annually in the US. This high fatality level has made the dissemination of carbon monoxide information a high priority.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is a deadly colorless, tasteless and odorless gas aptly referred to as the silent killer. It is a silent and smooth operator capable of wreaking havoc without anybody realizing the goings on. Chemically, it consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom, connected by way of a triple bond that is made up of 2 covalent bonds and 1 dative covalent bond.
Where Does It Come From?
Carbon monoxide is produced during the incomplete combustion of fuel. It is a result of the absence of enough oxygen to make carbon dioxide also known as CO2. This partial oxidation is a common occurrence in home appliances such as oil or gas furnaces, gas clothes dryers, gas water heaters, gas refrigerators, gas ranges, space heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves and charcoal grills. Automobile exhaust fumes and lawn mowers powered by gas are also another source of CO.
Under normal circumstances where there is no appliance malfunction, airway blockages and air pressure fluctuations, carbon monoxide naturally flows out of the home. With the advent of energy efficient homes, this has increasingly become difficult given the way they are tightly constructed and sealed. A number of situations can precipitate the accumulation of carbon monoxide namely:
•Cracked furnace heat exchangers
•Blocked vents
•Inadequate air supply to combustion appliances resulting in reverse stacking or back-drafting
•Running a vehicle engine in a garage that is attached to the home
•Range hood exhaust fans
Carbon Monoxide derives much of its menacing reputation from its love of hemoglobin which is a component of blood. This fatal attraction results in the replacement of oxygen which is crucial for normal cell functioning.
How Can Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Be Avoided?
- One measure that is highly recommended in the fight against carbon monoxide poisoning is that installation of detectors. It is advisable to install at least one detector per home preferably on the ceiling near a sleeping area. This is because CO is less dense than air and placing it at an elevated position is sure to quickly detect any accumulation. Also installation near the sleeping area ensures that the alarm wakes you up in time to take action. You can go for an Ac or battery powered detector though a battery option is more preferable due to its ability to continue protecting even in cases of power outages. Care must be taken however to ensure that batteries don’t run out without your notice. A better alternative might be to go for a hardwired AC model with a battery backup.
- You must also get your gas appliances serviced regularly by a qualified service technician. Consultation of a heating contractor before engaging in changes to the house that might affect the ventilation of your home is a great idea. It is also rather preferable to go for electrical heating appliances as they do not emit any CO. you can also go for a new breed of appliances that are being designed to mitigate carbon monoxide poisoning dangers such as direct vent fireplaces, sealed combustion gas furnaces etc.
- You must also avoid running your automobile engine in the garage especially if it is attached to your home. This practice which is prevalent in winter is very deadly.
- You must also get your fireplace and furnace checked every time at the onset of the winter season.
How Can Problems Be Isolated?
Have a professional check your furnace with regards to the CO concentration in the flue gases; dirt or blockages in the furnace filters and filtering systems; corrosion, rust, gaps or holes in the furnace connections and flue pipes; the burners and ignition system, combustion chamber, internal heat exchanger etc.