Carbon monoxide poisoning

If carbon monoxide is inhaled, it depletes the amount of oxygen in your red blood cells, resulting in specific symptoms.

Depending on the amount inhaled and the length of time you have been exposed, symptoms could include the following:

• chronic headaches
• nausea
• drowsiness
• impaired judgment
• loss of coordination
• an unidentified chronic odor inside the building
• condensation on cool, indoor surfaces

Exposure to high amounts of carbon monoxide can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances is extremely low. A very small percentage of carbon monoxide deaths are actually caused by natural gas appliances. Most are caused by fires and car exhaust.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:

• move the person to fresh air right away
• call for medical assistance

Avoid problems with CO

While carbon monoxide alarms are an added safety measure, the best solution is regular appliance maintenance. You can easily reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by following some simple guidelines:

Always have a licensed gas contractor who is registered with the BC Safety Authority, install, inspect and service your natural gas appliances and check vents regularly to make sure that they are not disconnected, blocked or corroded. Licensed contractors are required to maintain a performance bond.

Make sure your contractor uses a licensed gas fitter (ask to see the gas fitter license). Also ask if the gas fitter knows how to check heat exchangers — companies that only clean furnaces and ducting may not be qualified to do this kind of inspection.

ALWAYS

• Keep furnace fan compartment doors and/or the filter access panel in place.
• Check that outside air ducts are clear.
• Be sure to clean bug screens before every heating season.
• Open the damper of your wood-burning fireplace. If you have an open wood-burning fireplace, open the damper and partially open a window or door at or below the level of the fireplace when the fireplace is in use; close the damper after each fire, but only after the ashes are cool.
• Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting the engine.
• Be sure that all vent hoods and pipes from fuel-burning equipment are in place and secure.
• Ensure that an external vent is used for all gas appliances that are designed to be vented.
• Never operate a barbecue, camp stove or lantern in an enclosed space.
• Buy equipment that bears the seal of an approved certification agency such as the Canadian Gas Association or the Canadian Standards Association.
• Keep the area around your furnace clear for proper air circulation.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm.
   

If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home:

• Open all doors and windows.
• Get fresh air immediately outside.
• Seek medical attention if needed.
• Turn off any appliances that you suspect are faulty.
• Have a qualified gas contractor inspect your appliances.

Energy upgrades and CO problems

Energy conservation saves energy and money — as you caulk and weatherproof, smaller amounts of cold, fresh air enter the house and less heat loss occurs. But too much weatherproofing can be bad for indoor air quality and appliance and vent operation.
If you are planning to do a lot of caulking, draftproofing or insulating, or add a high-volume kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan, talk to a qualified gas or ventilation contractor first.


Carbon monoxide alarms

A carbon monoxide alarm can provide extra protection between maintenance visits — but they are NOT a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance. And, they are not a substitute for smoke alarms.

Carbon monoxide alarms are good as an extra source of warning — something as simple as a chimney blocked by a bird or squirrel nest can cause problems that may go undetected between inspections.

Buying tips

Buy an alarm certified to the latest Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements. Carbon monoxide alarms that comply with the latest requirements will be labeled CSA 6.19 2001. Units tested and certified by CSA will display the CSA (blue flame) logo.

Look for a battery operated unit or a 110-volt plug-in model with a battery backup in case the power fails. Note that the battery backup feature of 110-volt models may only operate for a few hours after the power fails.

Look for a model that clearly lists the replacement date and warranty period.

Peak-level display and hours-since-peak features can help you investigate CO problems — they show the highest level of carbon monoxide reached, as well as how long ago the reading occurred.

Installation tips

The best place to install carbon monoxide detectors is in the hallway outside your bedrooms (on each level if you have more than one floor).

Don't install a carbon monoxide alarm in or near an attached garage or carport or near the door leading into the house from the garage or carport.

Don't install a carbon monoxide alarm in your furnace room, kitchen or within 15 feet of any fuel-burning appliance.