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Carbon Monoxide - The Silent, Cold Weather Killer

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent, Cold Weather Killer. Operation Outreach American Industrial Hygiene Association and the AIHA Indoor Environmental Quality Committee. What is Carbon Monoxide?. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas

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Carbon Monoxide - The Silent, Cold Weather Killer

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  1. Carbon Monoxide - The Silent, Cold Weather Killer Operation Outreach American Industrial Hygiene Association and the AIHA Indoor Environmental Quality Committee

  2. What is Carbon Monoxide? • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas • It is caused by incomplete combustion of solid, liquid or gaseous fuels C=O

  3. Where Does CO Come From? • Common home appliances that burn fuel can produce CO indoors, including: • furnaces • space heaters • generators • stoves, ranges • water heaters • clothes dryers • Automobiles, lawn mowers, etc. can produce CO indoors

  4. Who is at Risk of CO Poisoning? • Elevated CO levels can cause poisoning: • low levels can make you sick • higher levels can kill you • Anyone is at risk of CO poisoning • CO can be particularly harmful to: • unborn babies, infants and young children • elderly people, people with heart problems • tobacco users (additonal CO source)

  5. Why is CO the Silent, Cold Weather Killer? • CO is odorless, tasteless and colorless (no “warning” properties) • Early symptoms are often mistaken for the flu • High levels can kill while family members are asleep • CO often strikes in cold weather when heating equipment operates, and when windows and doors are closed

  6. How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning? • Appliances should be approved by a nationally recognized authority such as: • Underwriters’ Laboratory (U.L.) • American Gas Association (AGA) • Appliances should be installed properly: • follow manufacturer’s instructions, building code requirements • should be inspected by the local authority

  7. How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning? • Appliances should be properly maintained: • inspected annually by professionals • chimneys and flues should also be inspected • Appliances should be properly used: • follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe use

  8. CO Alarms • CO alarms can save lives • CPSC recommends at least one alarm per floor • Alarms should be installed in locations recommended by alarm manufacturer, such as: • in or near bedrooms or other sleeping areas • do not place close to kitchen appliances, furnaces or garages

  9. Additional Information • Contact the following for more information: • AIHA (effects of carbon monoxide, industrial hygienists and consultants) www.aiha.org • CPSC (Document #466) “Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers” www.cpsc.gov • U.S. EPA “What You should Know About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution” www. epa.gov/iaq/pubs

  10. Summary • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas • Many household appliances produce CO • Electric appliances do not produce CO • CO can make you sick or kill you • Early symptoms of CO are often like the flu • Install, use, and maintain appliances properly • Install CO alarms

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