Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fuels. With sufficient oxygen for complete combustion, the byproducts of combustion will be mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor. With insufficient oxygen for complete combustion, excessive carbon monoxide can be produced. If flue products are not properly vented to the outside, or if there is some sort of blockage, or other means for flue products to leak, carbon monoxide can enter the living space.
According to the , a yearly average of more than 200 people die from carbon monoxide resulting from fuel-burning appliances in the home. Most of these deaths are associated with heating systems. The CPSC also estimated that a yearly average of 10,200 people were treated in hospitals from 1995 to 1999 due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products. Most of these injuries were associated with heating systems.
Some signs that indicate the potential of carbon monoxide escaping into the living space include: rusting or water streaking on the vent system or fuel-burning appliance, sooting, loose or disconnected vent system, or moisture inside windows.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to symptoms of the flu, but without the fever. Typical symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
Useful information to obtain on carbon monoxide poisoning cases includes:
Identify all types of fuel-burning equipment in the premises or attached garage, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, space heaters, ranges, ovens, gas-burning refrigerators or dryers, vehicles, lawn equipment, grills, etc.
When was the last time each appliance was serviced? By whom? What was done? Were appliances tested? What were the results?
When was the last time the vent/chimney was cleaned? What was found? Any obstructions?
What was the history of the symptoms of the occupants?
Any soot deposits noted on appliances? Any soot on registers or walls? Any moisture on windows? Any unusual odors in premises?
Was there anything different about the position of any doors or windows at the time of exposure? Which appliances were operating?
Where were each of the affected individuals located? Was there anyone who was not affected? Where was he/she located? What were each of the individuals doing at the time of exposure?
Were any carbon monoxide tests conducted in the premises? When? What were the results? Were flues/vents/chimneys checked for obstructions? Were flues/vents/chimneys checked for proper connections? Were flues tested for proper draft? What were the results?
Were there any carbon monoxide alarms in the premises? Where? How were they powered? Were they operable? Did they alarm?
References:
Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths and Injuries Associated with the Use of Consumer Products Annual Estimates, October 2000, CPSC.
Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers, CPSC Document #466.
The "Senseless" Killer Can You Tell What It Is?, CPSC Document #464.
Responding to Residential Carbon Monoxide Incidents, CPSC, Sept., 2002.
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