In July, an 81-year-old Cape Girardeau woman passed out at her kitchen table and died, the victim of carbon monoxide sucked into her home through an air conditioner attached to her garage. She had left the car running and forgotten about it.
In January 2006, thirty-two inmates in F-pod of the Cape Girardeau County Jail were evacuated when the inmates -- and shortly thereafter their jailers -- began complaining of headaches and nausea. Unusual winds caused heating vents to malfunction and carbon monoxide was sucked into the jail.
When ice storms struck Missouri in December, dozens of people in the St. Louis area forced to use portable generators or alternative heat sources were treated at hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning. Two people died trying to heat their home by burning charcoal in a cooking wok.
Whether such incidents represent most of the problem from carbon monoxide, or CO as it is commonly known, or just the tip of a much larger problem, no one in Missouri can really say. From 2001 to 2006, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said 265 carbon monoxide poisonings were reported in Missouri, including 148 deaths. The reports range from a low of 14 in 2005 to more than 90 in 2002.
One difficulty for the health department employees who track carbon monoxide poisonings is spotty reporting. "State law says they are supposed to be reported, but there's no penalty," said Randy Maley, an environmental health specialist with the department.
Illinois, which reported nearly 1,200 carbon monoxide poisonings in 2006 alone, imposed a new law Jan. 1 requiring all homes and apartments to have carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of sleeping quarters. An 89-year-old Woodstock, Ill., woman who purchased a detector Jan. 2 credited it with saving her life four days later when the flue from a furnace boiler malfunctioned.
The Illinois law was a priority for firefighting agencies around the state, said Patty Thompson, spokeswoman for the Illinois State Fire Marshal. No door-to-door inspections will be conducted, she said, but when local firefighters respond to a dwelling they will check for working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they are absent the homeowner will be given a warning. If the detectors are not installed by the time of a follow-up visit the owner of the dwelling faces a fine of up to $1,500 or six months in jail.
Missouri has no such law, and Cape Girardeau doesn't require carbon monoxide detectors in homes in its ordinances. Such a law would be difficult to enforce, fire chief Rick Ennis said, and he's not sure a local ordinance would be any more effective than public education efforts.
Cape Girardeau firefighters respond to an average of seven carbon monoxide incidents each year, Ennis said.
"It is a good idea to have them," Ennis said. "It becomes difficult when you are talking about private residences to start requiring them. No matter how good an idea it is, it is a heck of a fight."
Ennis said his home has gas heat, a gas fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace. All are potential sources of carbon monoxide, a gas released by the incomplete combustion of almost every burnable fuel. The gas is odorless and colorless, which means detecting it requires a mechanical device.
Ennis has a carbon monoxide detector in his furnace room and one in his living room near the door leading to the garage.
Unlike smoke from a fire, which rises because it is warm, carbon monoxide is likely to disperse through the atmosphere indoors, Ennis noted. That means a carbon monoxide detector can be placed conveniently and use an electrical outlet.
A detector with a plug "is the simplest, easiest device," Ennis said. "But if you lose your power, you better have a battery backup." [Pocket CO is battery operated and small enough to put anywhere or even carry with you wherever you go]
Carbon monoxide detectors [alarms only] available at area hardware stores range in price from $24 to $50. Some available at Elias Ace Hardware on North Kingshighway sound an alarm when readings rise, while others show the concentrations of the gas. [Only a good detector will be able to show you concentration and a really good one can show you exposure ofer a period of time, they can sell for up to $800 but the Pocket CO, which can do all of that, sells for $129 at www.transducertech.com and www.quantumfields.com] Normal levels of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere shouldn't register any readings.
Fred Elias, owner of the hardware store, said he has sold 40 detectors in the past month, some as a result of publicity about the new Illinois law and some as a result of news reports about carbon monoxide poisonings following the ice storms.
Elias credits the detectors in the home of a friend with saving him from carbon monoxide poisoning. "I was spending the weekend in St. Louis, and the CO detector woke us up," he said.
"He had a gas fireplace, and it was either putting CO off or taking oxygen out of the air."
Elias has two detectors in his home, one in the furnace room and one near the bedrooms. "I'm a fairly careful person."
The state health department education program hits a higher gear in winter months, when people use furnaces that haven't been operated during warm weather or try to make it through a power outage. "Unfortunately, we think people should understand these things and be aware of the danger," Maley said. "Then somebody leaves the car running in the garage and someone ends up dying. And sometimes it is as crazy as someone smoking turkeys in their basement.
"Our job is to remind people that everything that burns gives off carbon monoxide, and they need to be aware of that," Maley said.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Arundel carbon monoxide leak hospitalizes 5
Five people were hospitalized this morning after being exposed to potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide in a Ferndale home, an Anne Arundel County fire official said.
A carbon monoxide detector in the home at 102 Ferndale Road went off about 10:40 a.m., and emergency crews found two women, ages 51 and 46, two men, ages 55 and 20, and a 16-year-old boy suffering from headaches and nausea, said Lt. Russ Davies, a fire department spokesman.
Tests revealed readings of 120 parts per million of carbon monoxide on the first floor of the home and 900 parts per million in the basement, which can be lethal during a short period of exposure, Davies said. A reading of 30 parts per million typically sets off a detector's alarm.
Two of the victims were sent to Maryland Shock Trauma Center and three were sent to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Davies said. Their conditions were not available.
A carbon monoxide detector in the home at 102 Ferndale Road went off about 10:40 a.m., and emergency crews found two women, ages 51 and 46, two men, ages 55 and 20, and a 16-year-old boy suffering from headaches and nausea, said Lt. Russ Davies, a fire department spokesman.
Tests revealed readings of 120 parts per million of carbon monoxide on the first floor of the home and 900 parts per million in the basement, which can be lethal during a short period of exposure, Davies said. A reading of 30 parts per million typically sets off a detector's alarm.
Two of the victims were sent to Maryland Shock Trauma Center and three were sent to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Davies said. Their conditions were not available.
Carbon monoxide safety devices vary
Q How effective are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms seen in stores? What should I look for when buying a CO alarm?
A There are two types of devices. The terms "CO alarm" and "CO detector" (or CO monitor) are often used interchangeably, but the units are quite different.
CO alarms are designed to sound an alarm when CO levels become life-threatening. They do not provide information about chronic low-level exposures, which are known to be harmful.
A CO detector or monitor, on the other hand, will provide information about low levels, generally under 30 parts per million (ppm), and sound an alarm at life-threatening levels. [like the Pocket CO] (There is no standard for safe levels of CO in homes. [REALLY?? Here are some indoor air quality standards from two national agencies...
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) established recommended ventilation rates for indoor environments in 1973. ASHRAE amended this standard in 1975 to specify the minimum value of 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of outdoor air per person be used in building design. This standard has been incorporated into the building codes of many cities and states. The 62-1989 standard recommends a minimum of 15 CFM of outdoor air per person for offices (reception areas) and 20 CFM per person for general office space with a moderate amount of smoking. Sixty cubic feet per minute per person is recommended for smoking lounges with local mechanical exhaust ventilation and no air recirculation.
NIOSH ( National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommendations:
• 250-350 ppm
normal outdoor ambient concentrations
• 600 ppm
minimal air quality complaints
• 600-1,000 ppm
less clearly interpreted
• 1,000 ppm
indicates inadequate ventilation; complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and eye and throat irritation will be more widespread; 1,000 ppm should be used as an upper limit for indoor levels
These levels are only guidelines. If carbon dioxide levels exceed 1,000 ppm it does not necessarily indicate that the building is hazardous and should be evacuated. Rather this level should be used as a guideline that helps maximize comfort for all occupants.] The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard for outdoor air is 9 ppm over eight hours.) Health authorities caution that long-term, low-level CO exposure should be avoided, especially by pregnant women, children and those with heart and lung disease. A CO detector/monitor also alerts occupants to a developing CO problem, so they can take steps to prevent a crisis.
CO detectors/monitors can be difficult to find; most retailers stock only CO alarms. That's because nine years ago Underwriters Lab (UL) changed the standard, turning away from monitoring and toward the less-sensitive alarm.
The change was spurred by a desire to reduce the number of nuisance calls to utilities and first responders. Some health authorities argued that the change would eliminate information about chronic low-level exposure.
Another reason for the wide use of CO alarms is a new Minnesota law that requires only minimum protection, installation of a CO alarm, in new construction. (The law will extend to existing housing next year.) But it doesn't preclude higher levels of protection.
When buying CO protection, remember that minimal protection is better than none at all. Then consider who's in your home and how much information you want. If your household contains pregnant women, infants, children, senior citizens, people with heart or respiratory problems, or if you want to be alerted to a developing CO problem, invest in a CO detector/monitor.
Several sites on the Internet sell the monitors [www.transducertech.com or www.quantumfields.com]
If minimal protection is what you want, then buy a CO alarm. Look for one that meets the UL standard (usually indicated on the box), has a long-term warranty and can be self-tested and reset.
A basic, off-the-shelf CO alarm costs $20 to $50. Other alarms sells for around $90 and CO monitors, with a higher level of protection, can sell for up to $800, plus shipping and handling. [Pocket CO is only $129]
Whether you buy an alarm or a detector/monitor, it's a good idea to write the date on the device when you install it so you know to replace it in five years (or when recommended by the manufacturer).
Remember these are back-up devices and should not be relied upon exclusively. The first line of defense against CO is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances operate properly, including water heaters. Have the heating system (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year.
A There are two types of devices. The terms "CO alarm" and "CO detector" (or CO monitor) are often used interchangeably, but the units are quite different.
CO alarms are designed to sound an alarm when CO levels become life-threatening. They do not provide information about chronic low-level exposures, which are known to be harmful.
A CO detector or monitor, on the other hand, will provide information about low levels, generally under 30 parts per million (ppm), and sound an alarm at life-threatening levels. [like the Pocket CO] (There is no standard for safe levels of CO in homes. [REALLY?? Here are some indoor air quality standards from two national agencies...
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) established recommended ventilation rates for indoor environments in 1973. ASHRAE amended this standard in 1975 to specify the minimum value of 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of outdoor air per person be used in building design. This standard has been incorporated into the building codes of many cities and states. The 62-1989 standard recommends a minimum of 15 CFM of outdoor air per person for offices (reception areas) and 20 CFM per person for general office space with a moderate amount of smoking. Sixty cubic feet per minute per person is recommended for smoking lounges with local mechanical exhaust ventilation and no air recirculation.
NIOSH ( National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommendations:
• 250-350 ppm
normal outdoor ambient concentrations
• 600 ppm
minimal air quality complaints
• 600-1,000 ppm
less clearly interpreted
• 1,000 ppm
indicates inadequate ventilation; complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and eye and throat irritation will be more widespread; 1,000 ppm should be used as an upper limit for indoor levels
These levels are only guidelines. If carbon dioxide levels exceed 1,000 ppm it does not necessarily indicate that the building is hazardous and should be evacuated. Rather this level should be used as a guideline that helps maximize comfort for all occupants.] The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard for outdoor air is 9 ppm over eight hours.) Health authorities caution that long-term, low-level CO exposure should be avoided, especially by pregnant women, children and those with heart and lung disease. A CO detector/monitor also alerts occupants to a developing CO problem, so they can take steps to prevent a crisis.
CO detectors/monitors can be difficult to find; most retailers stock only CO alarms. That's because nine years ago Underwriters Lab (UL) changed the standard, turning away from monitoring and toward the less-sensitive alarm.
The change was spurred by a desire to reduce the number of nuisance calls to utilities and first responders. Some health authorities argued that the change would eliminate information about chronic low-level exposure.
Another reason for the wide use of CO alarms is a new Minnesota law that requires only minimum protection, installation of a CO alarm, in new construction. (The law will extend to existing housing next year.) But it doesn't preclude higher levels of protection.
When buying CO protection, remember that minimal protection is better than none at all. Then consider who's in your home and how much information you want. If your household contains pregnant women, infants, children, senior citizens, people with heart or respiratory problems, or if you want to be alerted to a developing CO problem, invest in a CO detector/monitor.
Several sites on the Internet sell the monitors [www.transducertech.com or www.quantumfields.com]
If minimal protection is what you want, then buy a CO alarm. Look for one that meets the UL standard (usually indicated on the box), has a long-term warranty and can be self-tested and reset.
A basic, off-the-shelf CO alarm costs $20 to $50. Other alarms sells for around $90 and CO monitors, with a higher level of protection, can sell for up to $800, plus shipping and handling. [Pocket CO is only $129]
Whether you buy an alarm or a detector/monitor, it's a good idea to write the date on the device when you install it so you know to replace it in five years (or when recommended by the manufacturer).
Remember these are back-up devices and should not be relied upon exclusively. The first line of defense against CO is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances operate properly, including water heaters. Have the heating system (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year.
Jakobsson To Hold Carbon Monoxide Detector Drive
[Now you can purchase a Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com or www.quantumfields.com and get tax write-off if you donte it to this worthy cause, or one like it in your area. If there is not one in your area you can be assured there soon will be! Even if you do not donate and just keep it for yourself or give it to a loved one, you can see how important having a good carbon monoxide detector is.]
CHAMPAIGN – State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, will announce at a press conference on Monday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. in her district office, 206 N. Randolph, Suite 120, Champaign, a carbon monoxide detector drive to assist those families who need the detectors but cannot afford them.
“Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important in a home today as smoke detectors,”
Jakobsson said. “Unfortunately, some families cannot afford to buy these detectors, so our community will work together to purchase the detectors and donate them to those in need. I urge everyone in the area to open up their hearts and their wallets and buy a detector next time you go shopping.”
A new law effective January 1 makes it mandatory to have a carbon monoxide detector in every home, and each homeowner and landlord is responsible for the purchase of the detector. With winter heating season in full force, this is the time of year when many furnaces and heaters malfunction and emit deadly carbon monoxide throughout households. The donated detectors will be collected for the next two weeks at participating stores and then will be distributed to homeowners on fixed or limited incomes, seniors and those with disabilities shortly after.
“Our community has been so generous in the past with book drives, toy drives, food drives and the like, so there is no doubt in my mind that the success of this drive will be no different than previous ones,” Jakobsson continued. “We want to get these detectors into homes right away, not just because it is the law, but because we want folks to be safe.”
Present to accept the first detector and kick off the drive will be John and Roni Replogle of Champaign.
Participating are Champaign Firefighters Local 1260, the Champaign Fire Department, Urbana Firefighters Local 1147, Urbana Fire Rescue, the City of Champaign, and the City of Urbana. Businesses participating in the drive and sites for drop off are Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, and Meijer.
For more information about the drive, please contact Jakobsson’s office at 373-5000, the City of Champaign Fire Department at 403-7212, or the Urbana Fire Rescue Services at 384-2420. To request a detector or to let us know about someone in need, call the City of Champaign Neighborhood Services Department at 403-7070 or the City of Urbana Community Development Services at 384-2447.
CHAMPAIGN – State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, will announce at a press conference on Monday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. in her district office, 206 N. Randolph, Suite 120, Champaign, a carbon monoxide detector drive to assist those families who need the detectors but cannot afford them.
“Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important in a home today as smoke detectors,”
Jakobsson said. “Unfortunately, some families cannot afford to buy these detectors, so our community will work together to purchase the detectors and donate them to those in need. I urge everyone in the area to open up their hearts and their wallets and buy a detector next time you go shopping.”
A new law effective January 1 makes it mandatory to have a carbon monoxide detector in every home, and each homeowner and landlord is responsible for the purchase of the detector. With winter heating season in full force, this is the time of year when many furnaces and heaters malfunction and emit deadly carbon monoxide throughout households. The donated detectors will be collected for the next two weeks at participating stores and then will be distributed to homeowners on fixed or limited incomes, seniors and those with disabilities shortly after.
“Our community has been so generous in the past with book drives, toy drives, food drives and the like, so there is no doubt in my mind that the success of this drive will be no different than previous ones,” Jakobsson continued. “We want to get these detectors into homes right away, not just because it is the law, but because we want folks to be safe.”
Present to accept the first detector and kick off the drive will be John and Roni Replogle of Champaign.
Participating are Champaign Firefighters Local 1260, the Champaign Fire Department, Urbana Firefighters Local 1147, Urbana Fire Rescue, the City of Champaign, and the City of Urbana. Businesses participating in the drive and sites for drop off are Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, and Meijer.
For more information about the drive, please contact Jakobsson’s office at 373-5000, the City of Champaign Fire Department at 403-7212, or the Urbana Fire Rescue Services at 384-2420. To request a detector or to let us know about someone in need, call the City of Champaign Neighborhood Services Department at 403-7070 or the City of Urbana Community Development Services at 384-2447.
Encounter drives carbon monoxide alarm warning
DALLAS - Beverly Hite was never on television before Sunday, and she said would have kept it that way if it wasn't for her dangerous run-in with carbon monoxide.
After an alarm warned her Wednesday morning that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were in her home and endangering her family, Hite said she felt she should tell her story as a warning for others.
"It was one thing if I lost my life, but when I think of a one-and-a-half-year-old and a preemie at that," she said.
Hite said she wasn't feeling well that cold morning and turned up the heater, which is powered by natural gas. Soon after turning up the heat, an alarm sounded.
"It said something like carbon monoxide, leave the area," she said.
A repairman quickly arrived on the scene. Hite said as she watched him, she could see shock come across his face.
"He got this look on his face," she said. "He was very shocked. He said it was the highest level he had ever seen in a home. He said, 'You are very, very blessed.'"
The detector saved not only Hite's life, but she believes it saved her grandchild's life as well.
"I get kind of emotional when I think about that," she said. "Not only was his life saved, but my daughter's [as well]."
Hite went to her computer after the incident and began e-mailing friends and strangers alike to emphasize a carbon monoxide detector [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com] can be life-saving piece of equipment.
"I have a lot of responses," she said. "People say, 'I don't have one, but I'm going to get one.'"
As for Hite, she said she is purchasing another one just to be safe.
After an alarm warned her Wednesday morning that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were in her home and endangering her family, Hite said she felt she should tell her story as a warning for others.
"It was one thing if I lost my life, but when I think of a one-and-a-half-year-old and a preemie at that," she said.
Hite said she wasn't feeling well that cold morning and turned up the heater, which is powered by natural gas. Soon after turning up the heat, an alarm sounded.
"It said something like carbon monoxide, leave the area," she said.
A repairman quickly arrived on the scene. Hite said as she watched him, she could see shock come across his face.
"He got this look on his face," she said. "He was very shocked. He said it was the highest level he had ever seen in a home. He said, 'You are very, very blessed.'"
The detector saved not only Hite's life, but she believes it saved her grandchild's life as well.
"I get kind of emotional when I think about that," she said. "Not only was his life saved, but my daughter's [as well]."
Hite went to her computer after the incident and began e-mailing friends and strangers alike to emphasize a carbon monoxide detector [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com] can be life-saving piece of equipment.
"I have a lot of responses," she said. "People say, 'I don't have one, but I'm going to get one.'"
As for Hite, she said she is purchasing another one just to be safe.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Get in the know about CO
[This is a great story...even kids are getting into the fact that carbon monoxide is more dangerous than most people realize]
The Carl W. Goetz Middle School in Jackson, N.J. proves that you’re never too young to teach others about safety.
The 1,300 students of Goetz have launched an ambitious educational campaign about the dangers of carbon-monoxide poisoning. Better still, the students are holding a series of fundraisers to provide free carbon-monoxide detectors to as many nearby homes as possible.
The initiative began last year, after a seventh grader died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator in his home. “We wanted to know why and why he didn’t have a detector,” said eighth grader Kassandra Brady. At the same time, she said, her fellow students wanted as many homes as possible to install CO detectors “so this won’t happen again.”
Under the tutelage of computer technology teacher Deborah Potter and several other teachers, Goetz students made brochures, banners, and video commercials to educate the community about CO poisoning with the catchy slogan “Get in the Know about CO”.
They’ve already held a student-faculty volleyball tournament (the teachers won) and a raffle for a prime parking spot. So far they’ve raised $1,700, but hope to get more money through donations and other planned fundraisers. In the spring, they plan to distribute CO detectors on a first-come, first-serve basis.
That’s a big goal, considering the town has about 20,000 households. But many homes — particularly those with Goetz students — already have detectors.
Eighth grader Jillian Nicholl said she now checks her home’s CO detector “about every two to three months” to make sure it’s working.
Before the Get in the Know campaign, Nicholl said she didn’t have “a clue" what CO was — or what the detector was for. [many adults are the same way about CO]
The Carl W. Goetz Middle School in Jackson, N.J. proves that you’re never too young to teach others about safety.
The 1,300 students of Goetz have launched an ambitious educational campaign about the dangers of carbon-monoxide poisoning. Better still, the students are holding a series of fundraisers to provide free carbon-monoxide detectors to as many nearby homes as possible.
The initiative began last year, after a seventh grader died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator in his home. “We wanted to know why and why he didn’t have a detector,” said eighth grader Kassandra Brady. At the same time, she said, her fellow students wanted as many homes as possible to install CO detectors “so this won’t happen again.”
Under the tutelage of computer technology teacher Deborah Potter and several other teachers, Goetz students made brochures, banners, and video commercials to educate the community about CO poisoning with the catchy slogan “Get in the Know about CO”.
They’ve already held a student-faculty volleyball tournament (the teachers won) and a raffle for a prime parking spot. So far they’ve raised $1,700, but hope to get more money through donations and other planned fundraisers. In the spring, they plan to distribute CO detectors on a first-come, first-serve basis.
That’s a big goal, considering the town has about 20,000 households. But many homes — particularly those with Goetz students — already have detectors.
Eighth grader Jillian Nicholl said she now checks her home’s CO detector “about every two to three months” to make sure it’s working.
Before the Get in the Know campaign, Nicholl said she didn’t have “a clue" what CO was — or what the detector was for. [many adults are the same way about CO]
Beware of carbon monoxide
Winter emergencies often create unique problems that can turn deadly if not managed properly.
One such emergency is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While not exclusive to only wintertime emergencies, it often occurs during power outages, when people are trying to stay warm inside. Remember the “don’ts”:
• Don’t idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short while.
• Don’t use a charcoal grill or camp stove inside, even in a fireplace.
• Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• Don’t use any gasoline-powered engines in enclosed spaces.
• Don’t ignore symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly if more than one person in the house is feeling them: headache, drowsiness, and burning eyes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, and even death.Carbon monoxide detectors, widely available in stores, should be considered a back-up, not a replacement, or proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning home appliances.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, different types of CO detectors vary in reliability, and are not generally considered to be as reliable as home smoke detectors.[unless you get a good CO detector like the Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com]
If the CO detector alarm goes off:
• Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
• Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing poisoning symptoms.
• If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention, telling the doctor you suspect CO poisoning.
• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, and turn off all potential sources of CO — your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater, and any vehicle or small engine.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly and that nothing is preventing the fumes from being vented out of the house.
©Ozarks Newsstand 2007
One such emergency is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While not exclusive to only wintertime emergencies, it often occurs during power outages, when people are trying to stay warm inside. Remember the “don’ts”:
• Don’t idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short while.
• Don’t use a charcoal grill or camp stove inside, even in a fireplace.
• Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• Don’t use any gasoline-powered engines in enclosed spaces.
• Don’t ignore symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly if more than one person in the house is feeling them: headache, drowsiness, and burning eyes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, and even death.Carbon monoxide detectors, widely available in stores, should be considered a back-up, not a replacement, or proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning home appliances.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, different types of CO detectors vary in reliability, and are not generally considered to be as reliable as home smoke detectors.[unless you get a good CO detector like the Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com]
If the CO detector alarm goes off:
• Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
• Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing poisoning symptoms.
• If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention, telling the doctor you suspect CO poisoning.
• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, and turn off all potential sources of CO — your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater, and any vehicle or small engine.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly and that nothing is preventing the fumes from being vented out of the house.
©Ozarks Newsstand 2007
Beware the silent, winter danger
By Jennifer Meyer, Times Staff Writer
01/26/2007
It's a killer, empowered by ignorance.
A chemist could explain to us the complexities behind carbon monoxide's lethal potency, how the gas delays oxygen delivery from the lungs to body tissues and why children, who breathe more rapidly than adults, die sooner when exposed.But even scientists say we need just a few facts, a short list of "don'ts" to save our lives from the deadly gas we can't smell or see.
First on the list? All cases of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning are readily preventable, according to a report from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
Be especially vigilant in winter, keeping in mind two principal sources of CO - an inefficient or faulty-operating furnace and exhaust fumes from gas-powered vehicles, said Melanie Smith, public information officer for the La Vista Volunteer Fire Department.
When temperatures alternate between warm and cold, as they have done this winter, furnaces run inconsistently and therefore, less efficiently, she said. Because carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, blocked flues and faulty furnace or duct repair work can hike the gas to toxic levels. Watch for initial symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, nausea and a headache that circles the head like a headband, Smith said.
"Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million, and you start feeling sick at levels of 150 to 250 parts per million.[actually much less than that especially over an extended period of time]"Even more frightening, according to the AIHA, is the fact that CO victims may experience none of these warnings and may simply fall asleep, never regaining consciousness.
The La Vista Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 10 carbon monoxide calls since Jan 1 of this year, Smith said."Approximately 60 to 70 of our calls each winter deal with carbon monoxide," she said. "It's a mix of detectors going off , where we'll go in and find low levels of CO, or we respond with a rescue squad because someone's not feeling well and when we get there, we find the whole family sick, an indication of high CO levels."
As part of their standard procedure, firefighters enter a carbon monoxide scene in full gear, exactly as they would with a fire, Smith said."At a measurement of 20 parts per million, we suspect CO and call the gas company to check the gas line," she said. "We usually let the professionals handle that end of the problem."
Exhaust fumes from the garage in winter can jeopardize oxygen levels as well. "Even if you turn the car off, but shut the garage door immediately without giving the space a chance to air out, CO gets trapped and can seep into the home - for example, if the door leading from the house into the garage is left open," Smith said. "A simple remedy is to leave the garage door up for a few minutes after turning off the car."
Power outages pose another menace - think carefully before you use a campfire stove, a kerosene space heater or a gas fireplace for the first time."These are huge potential problems for carbon monoxide," Smith said. "Open a window as a precaution if you use them. Older homes tended to be drafty so that helped, but now houses are so tightly sealed there's nowhere for the gas to escape."
Modest-sized homes should have at least one CO detector. "If your home has three floors, you should have a detector on the main floor and certainly have one on the floor with the furnace," she said. "Other good spots are near a gas fireplace and a hallway close to the garage."
A bad battery, dust, pet hair or a draft can cause the detector to emit false alarms. [especially if they are low-quality like the $30 ones you find at Home Depot and other retailers. See www. trasducertech.com for info about their Pocket CO]
Since accurate measurements of CO depend on undisturbed air, place detectors in low-traffic areas and don't install one near the furnace, she said.
01/26/2007
It's a killer, empowered by ignorance.
A chemist could explain to us the complexities behind carbon monoxide's lethal potency, how the gas delays oxygen delivery from the lungs to body tissues and why children, who breathe more rapidly than adults, die sooner when exposed.But even scientists say we need just a few facts, a short list of "don'ts" to save our lives from the deadly gas we can't smell or see.
First on the list? All cases of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning are readily preventable, according to a report from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
Be especially vigilant in winter, keeping in mind two principal sources of CO - an inefficient or faulty-operating furnace and exhaust fumes from gas-powered vehicles, said Melanie Smith, public information officer for the La Vista Volunteer Fire Department.
When temperatures alternate between warm and cold, as they have done this winter, furnaces run inconsistently and therefore, less efficiently, she said. Because carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, blocked flues and faulty furnace or duct repair work can hike the gas to toxic levels. Watch for initial symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, nausea and a headache that circles the head like a headband, Smith said.
"Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million, and you start feeling sick at levels of 150 to 250 parts per million.[actually much less than that especially over an extended period of time]"Even more frightening, according to the AIHA, is the fact that CO victims may experience none of these warnings and may simply fall asleep, never regaining consciousness.
The La Vista Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 10 carbon monoxide calls since Jan 1 of this year, Smith said."Approximately 60 to 70 of our calls each winter deal with carbon monoxide," she said. "It's a mix of detectors going off , where we'll go in and find low levels of CO, or we respond with a rescue squad because someone's not feeling well and when we get there, we find the whole family sick, an indication of high CO levels."
As part of their standard procedure, firefighters enter a carbon monoxide scene in full gear, exactly as they would with a fire, Smith said."At a measurement of 20 parts per million, we suspect CO and call the gas company to check the gas line," she said. "We usually let the professionals handle that end of the problem."
Exhaust fumes from the garage in winter can jeopardize oxygen levels as well. "Even if you turn the car off, but shut the garage door immediately without giving the space a chance to air out, CO gets trapped and can seep into the home - for example, if the door leading from the house into the garage is left open," Smith said. "A simple remedy is to leave the garage door up for a few minutes after turning off the car."
Power outages pose another menace - think carefully before you use a campfire stove, a kerosene space heater or a gas fireplace for the first time."These are huge potential problems for carbon monoxide," Smith said. "Open a window as a precaution if you use them. Older homes tended to be drafty so that helped, but now houses are so tightly sealed there's nowhere for the gas to escape."
Modest-sized homes should have at least one CO detector. "If your home has three floors, you should have a detector on the main floor and certainly have one on the floor with the furnace," she said. "Other good spots are near a gas fireplace and a hallway close to the garage."
A bad battery, dust, pet hair or a draft can cause the detector to emit false alarms. [especially if they are low-quality like the $30 ones you find at Home Depot and other retailers. See www. trasducertech.com for info about their Pocket CO]
Since accurate measurements of CO depend on undisturbed air, place detectors in low-traffic areas and don't install one near the furnace, she said.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Man's Life Twice
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. -- A Sun Prairie man said his life as been saved twice by a carbon monoxide detector.
Like many, Bill Forest said he put off installing carbon monoxide detectors in his home, but he said he is thankful every day that he eventually did.
"About 5:30 in the morning this alarm went off and I was so groggy and tired I don't know how much of it was lack of sleep and how much of it was the carbon monoxide," Forest said, recalling the first time the detector went off.
That time, the hot water heater was responsible for the toxic gas. The power company said it was amazed at the levels the family had been exposed to.
"(The power company) said, 'It's really bad in there. He said you guys really should not have awakened. We should have just hauled you out of there dead,'" Forest said.
Less than a year later, Forest said a remodeling contractor broke furnace pipes and carbon monoxide was in their home again.
"That was our second time in one year that little baby (the detector) probably saved our lives," Forest said.
Lori Wirth, with the Madison Fire Department, said carbon monoxide is very difficult to detect in a home without a carbon monoxide detector.
"We have recorded several saves just this winter, and it's something that we obviously believe very strongly in because carbon monoxide poisoning is so difficult to detect any other way," Wirth said.
Wirth said the winter months are the worst for carbon monoxide dangers, especially during power outages during winter storms. The department recommended that everyone have a detector in at least the sleeping areas of their home. Forest said he now has six in his house because he doesn't want to take any chances.
"I have two granddaughters, you bet I feel lucky," said Forest. "They were both born this year and we wouldn't have them if it hadn't been for that."
The Madison Fire Department offered some tips for buying a good carbon monoxide detector for homes.
Fire officials recommended getting a detector with a minimum of 85 decibels so it will be loud enough to wake a family when it goes off. They said that hard-wired detectors are good, but recommended having a battery backup so it can still be used during a power outage. [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com or www.quantumfields.com has both battery and 85 dB alarm as well as many other features]
Like many, Bill Forest said he put off installing carbon monoxide detectors in his home, but he said he is thankful every day that he eventually did.
"About 5:30 in the morning this alarm went off and I was so groggy and tired I don't know how much of it was lack of sleep and how much of it was the carbon monoxide," Forest said, recalling the first time the detector went off.
That time, the hot water heater was responsible for the toxic gas. The power company said it was amazed at the levels the family had been exposed to.
"(The power company) said, 'It's really bad in there. He said you guys really should not have awakened. We should have just hauled you out of there dead,'" Forest said.
Less than a year later, Forest said a remodeling contractor broke furnace pipes and carbon monoxide was in their home again.
"That was our second time in one year that little baby (the detector) probably saved our lives," Forest said.
Lori Wirth, with the Madison Fire Department, said carbon monoxide is very difficult to detect in a home without a carbon monoxide detector.
"We have recorded several saves just this winter, and it's something that we obviously believe very strongly in because carbon monoxide poisoning is so difficult to detect any other way," Wirth said.
Wirth said the winter months are the worst for carbon monoxide dangers, especially during power outages during winter storms. The department recommended that everyone have a detector in at least the sleeping areas of their home. Forest said he now has six in his house because he doesn't want to take any chances.
"I have two granddaughters, you bet I feel lucky," said Forest. "They were both born this year and we wouldn't have them if it hadn't been for that."
The Madison Fire Department offered some tips for buying a good carbon monoxide detector for homes.
Fire officials recommended getting a detector with a minimum of 85 decibels so it will be loud enough to wake a family when it goes off. They said that hard-wired detectors are good, but recommended having a battery backup so it can still be used during a power outage. [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com or www.quantumfields.com has both battery and 85 dB alarm as well as many other features]
Carbon monoxide in house; four hospitalized
Four adults were taken to area hospitals Wednesday after apparently suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in their south Sacramento home.
Firefighters were called to the scene after one of the occupants of the home in the 7900 block of 36th Avenue began to faint, said Capt. Jim Doucette, Fire Department spokesman.
They found four adults, ages 20 to 82, who were vomiting and complaining of headaches, Doucette said. Two were having fainting spells and one had been vomiting since Sunday.
Firefighters evacuated the home and shut off the gas and electricity.
The Hazardous Materials Team found high levels of carbon monoxide in the home, in addition to the presence of natural gas, Doucette said. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. workers also responded.
Department officials warn people who smell gas in their home and are suffering similar symptoms -- headaches and nausea or vomiting -- to open their windows and call 911.
Firefighters were called to the scene after one of the occupants of the home in the 7900 block of 36th Avenue began to faint, said Capt. Jim Doucette, Fire Department spokesman.
They found four adults, ages 20 to 82, who were vomiting and complaining of headaches, Doucette said. Two were having fainting spells and one had been vomiting since Sunday.
Firefighters evacuated the home and shut off the gas and electricity.
The Hazardous Materials Team found high levels of carbon monoxide in the home, in addition to the presence of natural gas, Doucette said. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. workers also responded.
Department officials warn people who smell gas in their home and are suffering similar symptoms -- headaches and nausea or vomiting -- to open their windows and call 911.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Blocked vent to blame in Stony Point carbon monoxide poisoning
STONY POINT - An accidentally blocked ventilation pipe was to blame in the carbon monoxide poisoning of a family Saturday.
Building Inspector William Sheehan and a fire inspector investigated the incident on Stubbe Drive.
Sheehan said yesterday that it appeared the cap of a vent for a gas-fired water heater had been blown off by high winds and that the homeowner had put it back himself.
"When he put it back on, he forced the pipe down on top of the heater and eliminated the air gap between the vent and the boiler," Sheehan said. "The boiler was not properly venting, which allowed carbon monoxide to come into the house."
Four members of the family were taken to Nyack Hospital for non-life-threatening exposure to carbon monoxide [a tragedy avoided for sure!]. They were later taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, which has a hyperbaric center.
When police arrived, they found a child lethargic, incoherent and nauseous. Later, two other children and a parent began showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Stony Point Fire Department ventilated the house. The Stony Point and Haverstraw ambulance corps also responded.
Police said there was no carbon monoxide detector in the home, as is required by county law.
County Fire Coordinator Gordon Wren Jr. said yesterday that the incident illustrated the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes.
Building Inspector William Sheehan and a fire inspector investigated the incident on Stubbe Drive.
Sheehan said yesterday that it appeared the cap of a vent for a gas-fired water heater had been blown off by high winds and that the homeowner had put it back himself.
"When he put it back on, he forced the pipe down on top of the heater and eliminated the air gap between the vent and the boiler," Sheehan said. "The boiler was not properly venting, which allowed carbon monoxide to come into the house."
Four members of the family were taken to Nyack Hospital for non-life-threatening exposure to carbon monoxide [a tragedy avoided for sure!]. They were later taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, which has a hyperbaric center.
When police arrived, they found a child lethargic, incoherent and nauseous. Later, two other children and a parent began showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Stony Point Fire Department ventilated the house. The Stony Point and Haverstraw ambulance corps also responded.
Police said there was no carbon monoxide detector in the home, as is required by county law.
County Fire Coordinator Gordon Wren Jr. said yesterday that the incident illustrated the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes.
Carbon Monoxide and Homeowners Insurance
The following are excerpts from the Insurance Information Blog posted by jumpajoe:
You can get some discount [on homeowners insurance] without help of any insurance agent as some home insurance companies provide discount on the basis of your home security system. So by installing home security equipment( from the insurance company s associates) like home video camera, fire alert, burglar alarm, carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector you can get discount up to 10%.
And who doesn't want a discount on their homeowners insurance? Pocket CO is the answer! You can take it wherever you are in your house and put it anywhere you want to leave it so you never have to worry about finding a plug (some cheap ones are plug in) within 11 feet of a bedroom or hardwiring one into your home's electrical system (lots of time and money). www.transducertech.com
You can get some discount [on homeowners insurance] without help of any insurance agent as some home insurance companies provide discount on the basis of your home security system. So by installing home security equipment( from the insurance company s associates) like home video camera, fire alert, burglar alarm, carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector you can get discount up to 10%.
And who doesn't want a discount on their homeowners insurance? Pocket CO is the answer! You can take it wherever you are in your house and put it anywhere you want to leave it so you never have to worry about finding a plug (some cheap ones are plug in) within 11 feet of a bedroom or hardwiring one into your home's electrical system (lots of time and money). www.transducertech.com
After carbon monoxide death, chief urges detectors in homes
MANSFIELD -- A Jan. 11 buildup of carbon monoxide that killed a Mansfield woman in an apartment house could have become a major tragedy.
Mansfield Fire Chief Jim Welch said residents of three other apartments could have been overcome and perished if one resident hadn't awakened.Mary J. Pond, 52, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on Jan. 11 in the 41 E. Wellsboro St. apartment she shared with Donald Hall. Hall woke up and found Pond unconscious in an apartment bathroom early that morning. Police and firefighters awakened and evacuated residents of the building, several of whom showed effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"If those CO levels had continued to build and (Hall) hadn't awakened, the other residents could easily have succumbed," Welch said. "That was the first really cold night where the boiler would have been running almost continuously. Conditions were perfect.
"Carbon monoxide levels in the basement, near the boiler, reached 700 parts per million. In Pond's apartment, the level measured 450 parts per million -- after a firefighter had opened a window. Toxicity begins at 50 to 80 parts per million [toxicity actually begins as soon as it hits your bloodstream, at 50-80ppm you're seeing some serious effects, at 700ppm it would be a matter of minutes before you would pass out] .Even at those low levels, exposure can be fatal over a relatively long period of time."
Carbon monoxide accumulates in the bloodstream [it attaches to and blocks your cells from carrying oxygen]," Welch said. "It produces flu-like symptoms. People think they have the flu, because it's that time of year. Instead of getting out of the house to go to work in fresh air for eight to 12 hours, they stay at home, and it gets worse.'
"Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless -- but easily detectable. Welch said the solution to a potentially fatal problem is easy."
Anyone who has a gas-fired electrical appliance that requires venting should have a carbon monoxide detector," he said. "It's that easy."They cost $25 to as much as $800 [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com is $129], depending on the model, brand and features. And they [the cheap ones-see below] are available in just about any hardware or department store. The detector sounds an alarm when the carbon monoxide in room air reaches a predetermined level [usually too high (25-30ppm) for standard home detectors]-- before it becomes toxic. [at those levels it already is...and if you've been exposed to say 24ppm over a longer period of time (overnight for example) the alarm won't go off, but you're still going to see serious effects, headache, nausea, unconsciousness...a more sensitive detector is needed, i.e. the Pocket CO.]
"Carbon monoxide poisoning isn't that uncommon, unfortunately," Welch said. "It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The answer is to get a detector, and to have your furnace inspected regularly. That just makes sense from an energy efficiency standpoint, too."
Mansfield Fire Chief Jim Welch said residents of three other apartments could have been overcome and perished if one resident hadn't awakened.Mary J. Pond, 52, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on Jan. 11 in the 41 E. Wellsboro St. apartment she shared with Donald Hall. Hall woke up and found Pond unconscious in an apartment bathroom early that morning. Police and firefighters awakened and evacuated residents of the building, several of whom showed effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"If those CO levels had continued to build and (Hall) hadn't awakened, the other residents could easily have succumbed," Welch said. "That was the first really cold night where the boiler would have been running almost continuously. Conditions were perfect.
"Carbon monoxide levels in the basement, near the boiler, reached 700 parts per million. In Pond's apartment, the level measured 450 parts per million -- after a firefighter had opened a window. Toxicity begins at 50 to 80 parts per million [toxicity actually begins as soon as it hits your bloodstream, at 50-80ppm you're seeing some serious effects, at 700ppm it would be a matter of minutes before you would pass out] .Even at those low levels, exposure can be fatal over a relatively long period of time."
Carbon monoxide accumulates in the bloodstream [it attaches to and blocks your cells from carrying oxygen]," Welch said. "It produces flu-like symptoms. People think they have the flu, because it's that time of year. Instead of getting out of the house to go to work in fresh air for eight to 12 hours, they stay at home, and it gets worse.'
"Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless -- but easily detectable. Welch said the solution to a potentially fatal problem is easy."
Anyone who has a gas-fired electrical appliance that requires venting should have a carbon monoxide detector," he said. "It's that easy."They cost $25 to as much as $800 [Pocket CO from www.transducertech.com is $129], depending on the model, brand and features. And they [the cheap ones-see below] are available in just about any hardware or department store. The detector sounds an alarm when the carbon monoxide in room air reaches a predetermined level [usually too high (25-30ppm) for standard home detectors]-- before it becomes toxic. [at those levels it already is...and if you've been exposed to say 24ppm over a longer period of time (overnight for example) the alarm won't go off, but you're still going to see serious effects, headache, nausea, unconsciousness...a more sensitive detector is needed, i.e. the Pocket CO.]
"Carbon monoxide poisoning isn't that uncommon, unfortunately," Welch said. "It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The answer is to get a detector, and to have your furnace inspected regularly. That just makes sense from an energy efficiency standpoint, too."
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Winter Camping & LP Use in RV's
Well the cold winter months are here and I thought this would be a good time to talk about your RV’s LP gas system, since it is the primary source for heating your RV.
LP gas is a camper’s best friend. It provides us with warmth on a chilly day, hot water to shower with, cold food in the refrigerator and the capability to cook on the road the same way you do when you’re at home. When we need it it’s there, instantly providing us with all of the amenities and creature comforts we are accustomed to. We don’t even think about it; it’s taken for granted that when you push that button, like magic it responds to your demands.
The best source for heat in your RV is to use the forced air furnace. There are a couple of things you need to be aware of when you use the RV furnace. First of all it will consume more LP gas than any of the other LP gas fired appliances. The LP tank or cylinders should be full before leaving on your trip, and you will need to monitor the LP gas supply carefully during your stay. Second, if you are not plugged into an electrical supply the furnace fan can quickly drain the auxiliary battery(s). Batteries that are not fully charged in cold temperatures can freeze, resulting in not being able to use the RV furnace. I recommend that you plan your stay where you have access to an electrical supply when camping in cold weather. When we travel in cold weather, and are plugged into electricity, we set the forced air furnace on a low setting, around 55 or 60 degrees, and supplement the heat with a thermostatically controlled ceramic heater. These heaters work extremely well and you don’t need to be concerned about a fire or carbon monoxide.
Caution: Carbon monoxide is deadly. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it. NEVER use your range burners or oven as a source of heat. If your RV is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector you should purchase a battery operated model [www.transducertech.com look for Pocket CO under products] designed for use in RV’s. Always test the carbon monoxide detector for proper operation before each trip.
LP gas is a camper’s best friend. It provides us with warmth on a chilly day, hot water to shower with, cold food in the refrigerator and the capability to cook on the road the same way you do when you’re at home. When we need it it’s there, instantly providing us with all of the amenities and creature comforts we are accustomed to. We don’t even think about it; it’s taken for granted that when you push that button, like magic it responds to your demands.
The best source for heat in your RV is to use the forced air furnace. There are a couple of things you need to be aware of when you use the RV furnace. First of all it will consume more LP gas than any of the other LP gas fired appliances. The LP tank or cylinders should be full before leaving on your trip, and you will need to monitor the LP gas supply carefully during your stay. Second, if you are not plugged into an electrical supply the furnace fan can quickly drain the auxiliary battery(s). Batteries that are not fully charged in cold temperatures can freeze, resulting in not being able to use the RV furnace. I recommend that you plan your stay where you have access to an electrical supply when camping in cold weather. When we travel in cold weather, and are plugged into electricity, we set the forced air furnace on a low setting, around 55 or 60 degrees, and supplement the heat with a thermostatically controlled ceramic heater. These heaters work extremely well and you don’t need to be concerned about a fire or carbon monoxide.
Caution: Carbon monoxide is deadly. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it. NEVER use your range burners or oven as a source of heat. If your RV is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector you should purchase a battery operated model [www.transducertech.com look for Pocket CO under products] designed for use in RV’s. Always test the carbon monoxide detector for proper operation before each trip.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Kills 3 in N.H.
Berlin, New Hampshire - January 18, 2007
The three people were found dead in this house on Demers Street, a little before 8:00 Wednesday evening.
They were identified Thursday afternoon as 75-year-old Henrietta Robbins, 54-year-old Donald Robbins and a 15-year old boy -- who a family friend says was Donald Robbins' son.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported a black soot coating the windows. The victims, along with two dogs, were found unresponsive in the house. A local artist who goes simply by the name Nash stopped by the home Thursday afternoon to pay his respects to his friend.
"Very loving man all he wanted to do was live peacefully he already served his country he loved his mother he loved his son and he loved life," says Nash.
State fire investigators have determined that a improperly vented boiler contributed to the cause of death which at this time is not being released.
What is your life worth that's what I tell people when I go out and do talks is your life worth nine bucks what is it that you are willing to give up for your own safety," says Asst. Chief Robert Goodrow.
Assistant Chief Goodrow is Berlin's fire prevention officer. He works with the local community to educate about the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors in homes. He offers these tips to the public:
First and foremost -- install a carbon monoxide detector [www.transducertech.com]. After all, it could save your life.
Maintain your heating system regularly. Faulty ones often cause carbon monoxide leaks.
Also never heat your home with your oven.
Never leave your car running inside your garage.
The three people were found dead in this house on Demers Street, a little before 8:00 Wednesday evening.
They were identified Thursday afternoon as 75-year-old Henrietta Robbins, 54-year-old Donald Robbins and a 15-year old boy -- who a family friend says was Donald Robbins' son.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported a black soot coating the windows. The victims, along with two dogs, were found unresponsive in the house. A local artist who goes simply by the name Nash stopped by the home Thursday afternoon to pay his respects to his friend.
"Very loving man all he wanted to do was live peacefully he already served his country he loved his mother he loved his son and he loved life," says Nash.
State fire investigators have determined that a improperly vented boiler contributed to the cause of death which at this time is not being released.
What is your life worth that's what I tell people when I go out and do talks is your life worth nine bucks what is it that you are willing to give up for your own safety," says Asst. Chief Robert Goodrow.
Assistant Chief Goodrow is Berlin's fire prevention officer. He works with the local community to educate about the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors in homes. He offers these tips to the public:
First and foremost -- install a carbon monoxide detector [www.transducertech.com]. After all, it could save your life.
Maintain your heating system regularly. Faulty ones often cause carbon monoxide leaks.
Also never heat your home with your oven.
Never leave your car running inside your garage.
Family suffers carbon monoxide poisoning
CORPUS CHRISTI - A Corpus Christi family learned first hand why carbon monoxide is called a silent killer, after an incident on Wednesday that could have easily ended in tragedy.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, yet potentially deadly. According to authorities, some roofing materials got caught in a ventilation pipe, which blocked the carbon monoxide from getting out and forced it back inside a local famiy's home.
Corpus Christi paramedics arrived at the home at the Buccaneer Apartments around 12:30 p.m. The family was complaining of headaches and dizziness. All three were quickly put on oxygen and taken to the hospital, after crews detected a high level the gas.
Luckily, this is something from which a person can easily recover. The family should be okay after getting plenty of oxygen back into their systems.
Fire officials said it doesn't always end like it did Wedneday.
"They generally become unconscious, and no one is there to rescue them," Fire Marshall Andy Cardiel said.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, yet potentially deadly. According to authorities, some roofing materials got caught in a ventilation pipe, which blocked the carbon monoxide from getting out and forced it back inside a local famiy's home.
Corpus Christi paramedics arrived at the home at the Buccaneer Apartments around 12:30 p.m. The family was complaining of headaches and dizziness. All three were quickly put on oxygen and taken to the hospital, after crews detected a high level the gas.
Luckily, this is something from which a person can easily recover. The family should be okay after getting plenty of oxygen back into their systems.
Fire officials said it doesn't always end like it did Wedneday.
"They generally become unconscious, and no one is there to rescue them," Fire Marshall Andy Cardiel said.
Words of a 30 Year Disaster Burn Specialist
The following is a post from the RadioReference.com forums...this was the last post of a very long thread proving that carbon monoxide poisoning is very real and is a bigger problem than most people realize...
From experience, I've learned that not all CO detectors are created equal plus where you place them is quite important.
1. Some won't go off until the CO levels are at IDLH levels and others will activate for flatulence two rooms away. Morale: Buy the good ones. [go to www.transducertech.com and look at the Pocket CO for a good detector]
2.If the detector is placed too close to to stoves and other combustion devices, they activate easily and not representative of true CO concentrations in the living space.
3. Yes! There are dummies who burn charcoal inside during the winter. We've responded to some nitwit who was using his BBQ in the living room! There are others who use the fire place without insuring that the chimney is open and cleaned. [Can you believe this?!?!]
Cliffnotes Version: Avoid the cheap detector kits. Place them where should be located. Use common sense for surviving the winter. When in doubt about any of the above, talk to your local fire company BEFORE the fire occurs. The life you save could likely be the firefighter's.
From experience, I've learned that not all CO detectors are created equal plus where you place them is quite important.
1. Some won't go off until the CO levels are at IDLH levels and others will activate for flatulence two rooms away. Morale: Buy the good ones. [go to www.transducertech.com and look at the Pocket CO for a good detector]
2.If the detector is placed too close to to stoves and other combustion devices, they activate easily and not representative of true CO concentrations in the living space.
3. Yes! There are dummies who burn charcoal inside during the winter. We've responded to some nitwit who was using his BBQ in the living room! There are others who use the fire place without insuring that the chimney is open and cleaned. [Can you believe this?!?!]
Cliffnotes Version: Avoid the cheap detector kits. Place them where should be located. Use common sense for surviving the winter. When in doubt about any of the above, talk to your local fire company BEFORE the fire occurs. The life you save could likely be the firefighter's.
Carbon monoxide law is a lifesaver for one family
A Naperville landlord is crediting a new state law with saving the lives of a family in one of his dwellings.
As of Jan. 1, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed within 15 feet of every bedroom in nearly every Illinois home and apartment.
So, when he made his rounds to collect his tenants' rent on New Year's Day, Jim Freier, property manager for ERA Naper Realty, installed those devices in the apartments he manages.
As it turned out, one of the detectors he installed that day likely saved the lives of Maria Teresa Flores and her three children.
"The first night I had the carbon monoxide detector, it started beeping, and I was so scared," Flores said.
She got out of bed and called her friends, asking what to do, and they instructed her to immediately call both Freier and 911. She did just that, then, on the advice of the 911 operator, awoke her kids and, after opening every window, evacuated the apartment, standing pajama-clad in the cold morning air, waiting for help to arrive.
With an ambulance and the Naperville Fire Department en route, Freier called Kohler Heating and Air Conditioning, which arrived on the scene in 20 minutes and confirmed that the apartment's furnace was faulty. Apparently the furnace filter had not been changed and, since it was starving for air, the heat exchanger cracked. The cracked heat exchanger was leaking carbon monoxide.
It was silently killing the Flores family, said Freier.
Flores agreed.
"You don't see it, you don't smell it, but you really do feel it," she said.
As of Jan. 1, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed within 15 feet of every bedroom in nearly every Illinois home and apartment.
So, when he made his rounds to collect his tenants' rent on New Year's Day, Jim Freier, property manager for ERA Naper Realty, installed those devices in the apartments he manages.
As it turned out, one of the detectors he installed that day likely saved the lives of Maria Teresa Flores and her three children.
"The first night I had the carbon monoxide detector, it started beeping, and I was so scared," Flores said.
She got out of bed and called her friends, asking what to do, and they instructed her to immediately call both Freier and 911. She did just that, then, on the advice of the 911 operator, awoke her kids and, after opening every window, evacuated the apartment, standing pajama-clad in the cold morning air, waiting for help to arrive.
With an ambulance and the Naperville Fire Department en route, Freier called Kohler Heating and Air Conditioning, which arrived on the scene in 20 minutes and confirmed that the apartment's furnace was faulty. Apparently the furnace filter had not been changed and, since it was starving for air, the heat exchanger cracked. The cracked heat exchanger was leaking carbon monoxide.
It was silently killing the Flores family, said Freier.
Flores agreed.
"You don't see it, you don't smell it, but you really do feel it," she said.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Carbon monoxide detectors required
I guess it would pay...literally...to get a good quality carbon monoxide detector. You'll see what I mean when you read the article below. Also look at www.transducertech.com and check out the Pocket CO. It is a great CO detector for those looking for one that actually works well, and not one of the $20 detectors from the grocery store. With CO detectors, you truly do get what you pay for.
(KIRKSVILLE) Kirksville City Council members voted 4-0 (Councilman Tim Crist was not present) Wednesday night to require all homes that have an attached garage or heat sources that produce carbon monoxide to have carbon monoxide detectors.
In December 2006, seven Kirksville residents in the same home died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Those are the most memorable incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in recent history, but Kirksville City Manager Mari Macomber told KTVO that incident did not necessarily inspire the ordinance. According to memo by the city code administrator, "The council, as a public safety measure, wishes to alert residents to carbon monoxide exposure by early detection."
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is sometimes called "the silent killer" because there is no way to know that one is being exposed without a detector.
Penalties for violating the ordinance include misdemeanor charges and, in some cases, a fine of up to $500.
(KIRKSVILLE) Kirksville City Council members voted 4-0 (Councilman Tim Crist was not present) Wednesday night to require all homes that have an attached garage or heat sources that produce carbon monoxide to have carbon monoxide detectors.
In December 2006, seven Kirksville residents in the same home died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Those are the most memorable incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in recent history, but Kirksville City Manager Mari Macomber told KTVO that incident did not necessarily inspire the ordinance. According to memo by the city code administrator, "The council, as a public safety measure, wishes to alert residents to carbon monoxide exposure by early detection."
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is sometimes called "the silent killer" because there is no way to know that one is being exposed without a detector.
Penalties for violating the ordinance include misdemeanor charges and, in some cases, a fine of up to $500.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Carbon monoxide calls surge with detector use
(Boston Globe) A Wayland family returned to their Bayfield Road home in October to an unwelcome surprise: Their newly installed carbon monoxide detector was sounding its alarm.
Firefighters who rushed to the scene found that the air in the home contained 205 parts per million carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly level.
The family suffered no injury or illness from the gas, which firefighters traced to an improperly installed heating unit. But without the detector, they might not have been so lucky.
"If you stay in that long enough, you're not coming down to breakfast," said Fire Chief Robert F. Loomer.
Nine months after a state law required carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in most residences, such calls are becoming more common, according to fire chiefs across Boston's western suburbs. They said they believe the detectors are improving people's health -- and sometimes saving their lives.
From April to December 2006, fire departments statewide fielded 4,737 carbon monoxide calls, according to preliminary state figures. That was a 44 percent increase over the 3,281 calls received in the same period a year before. The state is still tabulating 2006 calls, and the increase is likely to be even larger than 44 percent, said state fire marshal's spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth.
Firefighters who rushed to the scene found that the air in the home contained 205 parts per million carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly level.
The family suffered no injury or illness from the gas, which firefighters traced to an improperly installed heating unit. But without the detector, they might not have been so lucky.
"If you stay in that long enough, you're not coming down to breakfast," said Fire Chief Robert F. Loomer.
Nine months after a state law required carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in most residences, such calls are becoming more common, according to fire chiefs across Boston's western suburbs. They said they believe the detectors are improving people's health -- and sometimes saving their lives.
From April to December 2006, fire departments statewide fielded 4,737 carbon monoxide calls, according to preliminary state figures. That was a 44 percent increase over the 3,281 calls received in the same period a year before. The state is still tabulating 2006 calls, and the increase is likely to be even larger than 44 percent, said state fire marshal's spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Unintentional deaths from carbon monoxide in motor vehicle exhaust: West Virginia
Here's an abstract of a study done in 1989!! about carbon monoxide deaths in West Virginia. It was published in the American Journal of Public Health ; Vol/Issue: 79:3. Research done by the West Virginia Department of Health, Charleston.
"We investigated the circumstances of unintended carbon monoxide deaths from motor vehicle exhaust. Of 64 episodes involving 82 deaths investigated by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 1978-84, 50 occurred outdoors in older vehicles with defective exhaust systems and 14 occurred in enclosed or semi-enclosed home garages. We suggest increasing public awareness of the hazards of motor vehicle exhaust and enforcing vehicle inspection regulations."
And to this day, there is little or no regulation of carbon monoxide in vehicles, even though they knew there was danger almost 20 years ago. It's up to the individual to protect themselves it seems. Truck drivers, RV owners, boat owners, etc. need to be aware of the dangers of this...as you read, most of the deaths occurred OUTDOORS, not in an enclosed space! See www.transducertech.com for information about the Pocket CO, a portable CO detector.
"We investigated the circumstances of unintended carbon monoxide deaths from motor vehicle exhaust. Of 64 episodes involving 82 deaths investigated by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 1978-84, 50 occurred outdoors in older vehicles with defective exhaust systems and 14 occurred in enclosed or semi-enclosed home garages. We suggest increasing public awareness of the hazards of motor vehicle exhaust and enforcing vehicle inspection regulations."
And to this day, there is little or no regulation of carbon monoxide in vehicles, even though they knew there was danger almost 20 years ago. It's up to the individual to protect themselves it seems. Truck drivers, RV owners, boat owners, etc. need to be aware of the dangers of this...as you read, most of the deaths occurred OUTDOORS, not in an enclosed space! See www.transducertech.com for information about the Pocket CO, a portable CO detector.
Another Avoidable Tragedy
The moral of this story...don't wait until a tragedy happens to pretect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. Get a detector for your home, car, anywhere. The Pocket CO is the only convenient, affordable, and totally portable CO detector on the market...it's about the same size as your car door opener on your keychain. You can carry it anywhere with you...in your purse, on your keyring, clip it to your car sun visor. It would pay to check it out. www.transducertech.com.
Marge and Terrance Kuhn thought many times about buying a carbon monoxide detector.
"We looked at them and said, '$25, oh well,' " said Marge Kuhn, 58, of Plum.
Then, in May, Terrance Kuhn, 57, accidentally left his 2003 Cadillac running in the garage and the Kuhns became victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
She survived; her husband died 13 days later. The county Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death accidental.
The next month, Marge Kuhn bought a carbon monoxide detector.
"I never dreamt of something like this happening," she said.
Cases such as theirs have prompted five states -- Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut -- to enact laws requiring carbon monoxide detectors in homes and apartments.
Automobile exhaust, combined with inadequate ventilation, is responsible for two-thirds of fatal accidental carbon monoxide poisonings. Faulty heating equipment accounts for nearly another third.
Marge and Terrance Kuhn thought many times about buying a carbon monoxide detector.
"We looked at them and said, '$25, oh well,' " said Marge Kuhn, 58, of Plum.
Then, in May, Terrance Kuhn, 57, accidentally left his 2003 Cadillac running in the garage and the Kuhns became victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
She survived; her husband died 13 days later. The county Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death accidental.
The next month, Marge Kuhn bought a carbon monoxide detector.
"I never dreamt of something like this happening," she said.
Cases such as theirs have prompted five states -- Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut -- to enact laws requiring carbon monoxide detectors in homes and apartments.
Automobile exhaust, combined with inadequate ventilation, is responsible for two-thirds of fatal accidental carbon monoxide poisonings. Faulty heating equipment accounts for nearly another third.
Family in Ohio Treated for CO Poisoning
EUCLID -- Three adults and four children are recovering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The family was rushed to the hospital Thursday from their home on 232nd Street in Euclid.Although all seven are expected to recover, fire officials say their story should serve as a reminder of the importance of having a CO detector.
Every year, more than 200 people die in the United States from CO poisoning.The colorless, odorless gas causes people to feel nauseated and get a headache. Many then pass out. Some even die.
To learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide, read more below. To find a good carbon monoxide detector, visit www.transducertech.com.
The family was rushed to the hospital Thursday from their home on 232nd Street in Euclid.Although all seven are expected to recover, fire officials say their story should serve as a reminder of the importance of having a CO detector.
Every year, more than 200 people die in the United States from CO poisoning.The colorless, odorless gas causes people to feel nauseated and get a headache. Many then pass out. Some even die.
To learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide, read more below. To find a good carbon monoxide detector, visit www.transducertech.com.
Carbon Monoxide Precautions
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a bigger problem than most people think. Read below...
(WTNH-ABC News) _ Carbon monoxide is responsible for poisoning, and in some cases killing, hundreds of Americans each year.
When the sun goes down, the risk goes up for carbon monoxide poisoning as homeowners try to stay warm.
"Every year we lose about 500 Americans to carbon monoxide fatalities and more than 15,000 are arriving in emergency rooms," said Dr. Howard Frumkin of the National Center for Environmental Health.
Experts say faulty gas furnaces cause more problems than anything else.
"Consumers really need to take the time to have that furnace inspected to make sure there are no leaks," said Julie Vallese of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Portable generators placed too close to a home are also dangerous. You can not see carbon monoxide gas and you can not smell it, but it causes serious symptoms.
"When you begin to get carbon monoxide exposure you have headaches, nausea, some vomiting and disorientation. As it progresses some people pass out and lose consciousness. They can even progress to death," said Dr. Frumkin.
A simple blood test can determine the level of exposure. The Centers for Disease Control recommends battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. (www.transducertech.com) If the alarm goes off, get out of the house, breath fresh air and dial 911.
(WTNH-ABC News) _ Carbon monoxide is responsible for poisoning, and in some cases killing, hundreds of Americans each year.
When the sun goes down, the risk goes up for carbon monoxide poisoning as homeowners try to stay warm.
"Every year we lose about 500 Americans to carbon monoxide fatalities and more than 15,000 are arriving in emergency rooms," said Dr. Howard Frumkin of the National Center for Environmental Health.
Experts say faulty gas furnaces cause more problems than anything else.
"Consumers really need to take the time to have that furnace inspected to make sure there are no leaks," said Julie Vallese of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Portable generators placed too close to a home are also dangerous. You can not see carbon monoxide gas and you can not smell it, but it causes serious symptoms.
"When you begin to get carbon monoxide exposure you have headaches, nausea, some vomiting and disorientation. As it progresses some people pass out and lose consciousness. They can even progress to death," said Dr. Frumkin.
A simple blood test can determine the level of exposure. The Centers for Disease Control recommends battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. (www.transducertech.com) If the alarm goes off, get out of the house, breath fresh air and dial 911.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Deaths Could Have Been Prevented
On Dec. 17, 2006, seven members of the Kirksville population lost their lives because the duplex they rented did not have a carbon monoxide detector.
These deaths could have - and should have - been prevented.Almost three years ago, the Kirksville City Council passed a piece of legislation known as the Rental Housing Ordinance, which required all landlords in Kirksville to have their rental property inspected by city codes officials. Inspectors would have helped ensure that all rental units met certain safety standards. One precaution inspectors would have checked for was carbon monoxide detectors. The now-defunct Rental
Housing Ordinance ultimately came about after six Truman students were hospitalized in 2002 from exposure to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in their rental house, which did not have a carbon monoxide detector. Columbia, Mo., also has a similar city rental safety ordinance, passed more than 15 years ago after a college student there died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
These deaths could have - and should have - been prevented.Almost three years ago, the Kirksville City Council passed a piece of legislation known as the Rental Housing Ordinance, which required all landlords in Kirksville to have their rental property inspected by city codes officials. Inspectors would have helped ensure that all rental units met certain safety standards. One precaution inspectors would have checked for was carbon monoxide detectors. The now-defunct Rental
Housing Ordinance ultimately came about after six Truman students were hospitalized in 2002 from exposure to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in their rental house, which did not have a carbon monoxide detector. Columbia, Mo., also has a similar city rental safety ordinance, passed more than 15 years ago after a college student there died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Carbon monoxide, sewer gas poisoning real threat as cold weather nears
Try the Pocket CO...it can be installed anywhere in your house and it's so small you'll never even know its there...until the 85dB alarm and the LED warning light start to go off! And then it's time to vent the room and call a professional to see what the problem is. http://www.transducertech.com/products/pocketco.html
With a spell of sub-zero weather marching toward the Aberdeen area this week, it's timely to guard against poisoning from carbon monoxide and sewer gas.
That was the advice Tuesday from Mike Thompson, fire marshal with the Aberdeen Fire Department.
The department typically gets more requests for carbon-monoxide checks during a cold snap, he said.
"So it's likely we'll get more calls this week," he said.
Sub-zero lows are expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Furnaces work harder in bitter cold weather, and a poorly maintained furnace can emit carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas. Rooftop sewer vents can also freeze up in cold weather. Properly functioning vents allow sewer gas - also potentially deadly - to escape from a building.
Thompson said one common mistake is to place carbon monoxide detectors/ alarms too close to the furnace. The best place to install them is near where people sleep so the alarm wakes them up, he said. For added protection, one can be installed at least 15 feet from the furnace, he said.
With a spell of sub-zero weather marching toward the Aberdeen area this week, it's timely to guard against poisoning from carbon monoxide and sewer gas.
That was the advice Tuesday from Mike Thompson, fire marshal with the Aberdeen Fire Department.
The department typically gets more requests for carbon-monoxide checks during a cold snap, he said.
"So it's likely we'll get more calls this week," he said.
Sub-zero lows are expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Furnaces work harder in bitter cold weather, and a poorly maintained furnace can emit carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas. Rooftop sewer vents can also freeze up in cold weather. Properly functioning vents allow sewer gas - also potentially deadly - to escape from a building.
Thompson said one common mistake is to place carbon monoxide detectors/ alarms too close to the furnace. The best place to install them is near where people sleep so the alarm wakes them up, he said. For added protection, one can be installed at least 15 feet from the furnace, he said.
Apartment Evacuated Because of Carbon Monoxide
SILVER SPRING, Md. -- Firefighters in Silver Spring, Md., evacuated an apartment building in Silver Spring, Md., after dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were detected Monday night, officials said.
Prince George's County firefighters were called to the apartment complex after a hard-wired carbon monoxide detector in one of the 12-unit buildings went off, triggering automatic notification to 911.
Carbon monoxide detectors carried by the firefighters found such high levels of the deadly gas that emergency crews decided to evacuate the building.
Prince George's County firefighters were called to the apartment complex after a hard-wired carbon monoxide detector in one of the 12-unit buildings went off, triggering automatic notification to 911.
Carbon monoxide detectors carried by the firefighters found such high levels of the deadly gas that emergency crews decided to evacuate the building.
Freightliner Cabs Harmful???
This is not an isolated incident! We need to be protecting ourselves and our drivers from Carbon Monoxide poisoning! Every truck driver should have a detector/dosimeter in the cab with them and every fleet manager/owner should require it...from UPS to the big boys! If you'd like to check out ours, see www.transducertech.com.
Frieghtliner Truck Sleeper Cabs and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is a national law firm that represents persons injured or the families of loved ones killed in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits due to defective products. We are currently investigating allegations by drivers of Freightliner trucks that they suffered injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust of their trucks while sleeping in the sleeper cab.
In April 2004, a Florida jury awarded $4.4 million to the family of a truck driver who was found dead at a rest stop in his 2000 Freightliner Century Class. The jury agreed with counsel for the family that the death was caused by a defect with the truck. According to press reports, an autopsy was performed by a medical examiner who found a 67 percent saturation of the driver's blood with carbon monoxide. Freightliner stated it would appeal the verdict of liability.
Frieghtliner Truck Sleeper Cabs and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is a national law firm that represents persons injured or the families of loved ones killed in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits due to defective products. We are currently investigating allegations by drivers of Freightliner trucks that they suffered injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust of their trucks while sleeping in the sleeper cab.
In April 2004, a Florida jury awarded $4.4 million to the family of a truck driver who was found dead at a rest stop in his 2000 Freightliner Century Class. The jury agreed with counsel for the family that the death was caused by a defect with the truck. According to press reports, an autopsy was performed by a medical examiner who found a 67 percent saturation of the driver's blood with carbon monoxide. Freightliner stated it would appeal the verdict of liability.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Another Tragedy and Related CO Legislation
Student's carbon monoxide death leads to law: Owners of homes, rental units, motels and hotels are required to install carbon monoxide detectors under a law passed by the City Council and named after (The Miami Herald)
By Laura Figueroa, The Miami HeraldMcClatchy-Tribune Business News
Dec. 31--Janelle Bertot was known for many things.
Freshman of the Year at Florida International University for the Class of 2003. Morale captain for the school's Dance Marathon that raises money for the Children's Miracle Network and Miami Childrens Hospital.
Daughter, sorority sister and friend.
Bertot died Nov. 14, 2004, of carbon monoxide poisoning and her name and memory have been attached to many things. Now it is attached to Ordinance 06-90.
When Mayor Julio Robaina and the Hialeah City Council Robaina on Dec, 12 signed Ordinance 06-90 into law -- requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, rental units, hotels and motels -- they named it "Janelle's Law."
"I'm very proud that something so important is going to carry her name," said Bertot's mother, Barbara, who is behind Janelle's Wishing Well, a foundation created to raise awareness about carbon monoxide-related deaths.
Barbara Bertot, whose husband Carlos is a retired Hialeah police officer, approached City Council Vice-President Carlos Hernandez and Robaina about passing a law requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in buildings.
Under "Janelle's Law," the city requires all residential units to install carbon monoxide detectors. New construction projects are required to automatically install hard-wired detectors to complete their projects. Owners of existing structures, including homes, have two years to do so and are permitted to install battery-operated detectors.
The measure came after unsuccessful attempts to pass similar regulations on the county level. A state rule requires all counties to adhere to the Florida Building Code -- which y does not make installation of carbon monoxide detectors mandatory.
Still, Hialeah City Attorney William Grodnick said code enforcement officials will not be deterred from enforcing the city's new law.
Asked what the city would do if companies challenge the law, Grodnick said, "If someone is going to make those challenges, we'll let the court decide. We feel we have the authority within our zoning code to provide for certain requirements and we will enforce them."
Janelle Bertot's death was not the only one due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Hialeah. In November 2005, three young women were found dead in a closed garage at the Chesapeake Motel, 935 W. Okeechobee Rd., after they left their car running.
Studies by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine indicated that in cities such as Chicago that have mandated the installation of carbon monoxide detectors the number of carbon monoxide-related deaths have declined.
State Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, who attended the meeting in which Janelle's Law was passed, said he is making it a legislative priority in his rookie year for the state to follow Hialeah's lead.
Janelle Bertot, an honors student at Western High School in Davie, died after she and her boyfriend, Tony Perez, 25, were exposed to carbon monoxide due to a faulty exhaust system in Perez's 1993 Mercury Villager.
City Council Vice President Hernandez attended police academy with Janelle's father and worked alongside him at the Hialeah police department.
"I was touched personally by this situation," Hernandez said, explaining why he proposed the law. "I saw the effect that losing her had on him. We want to avoid these type of painful situations from happening again. It's such a small price and it's such a small step we can take to make a big change."
Barbara Bertot, who now lives in Weston, said she is not stopping with just a law in Hialeah. She plans on contacting the Westons City Council about adopting a similar measure and will push for it state-wide.
"Janelle was the type of person [who] when she believed in something she always tried to correct things done wrong," Barbara Bertot said. "Now it's my job to avoid this pain for countless other people. Had this tragedy been me, I know 150 percent Janelle would have done this for me."
By Laura Figueroa, The Miami HeraldMcClatchy-Tribune Business News
Dec. 31--Janelle Bertot was known for many things.
Freshman of the Year at Florida International University for the Class of 2003. Morale captain for the school's Dance Marathon that raises money for the Children's Miracle Network and Miami Childrens Hospital.
Daughter, sorority sister and friend.
Bertot died Nov. 14, 2004, of carbon monoxide poisoning and her name and memory have been attached to many things. Now it is attached to Ordinance 06-90.
When Mayor Julio Robaina and the Hialeah City Council Robaina on Dec, 12 signed Ordinance 06-90 into law -- requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, rental units, hotels and motels -- they named it "Janelle's Law."
"I'm very proud that something so important is going to carry her name," said Bertot's mother, Barbara, who is behind Janelle's Wishing Well, a foundation created to raise awareness about carbon monoxide-related deaths.
Barbara Bertot, whose husband Carlos is a retired Hialeah police officer, approached City Council Vice-President Carlos Hernandez and Robaina about passing a law requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in buildings.
Under "Janelle's Law," the city requires all residential units to install carbon monoxide detectors. New construction projects are required to automatically install hard-wired detectors to complete their projects. Owners of existing structures, including homes, have two years to do so and are permitted to install battery-operated detectors.
The measure came after unsuccessful attempts to pass similar regulations on the county level. A state rule requires all counties to adhere to the Florida Building Code -- which y does not make installation of carbon monoxide detectors mandatory.
Still, Hialeah City Attorney William Grodnick said code enforcement officials will not be deterred from enforcing the city's new law.
Asked what the city would do if companies challenge the law, Grodnick said, "If someone is going to make those challenges, we'll let the court decide. We feel we have the authority within our zoning code to provide for certain requirements and we will enforce them."
Janelle Bertot's death was not the only one due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Hialeah. In November 2005, three young women were found dead in a closed garage at the Chesapeake Motel, 935 W. Okeechobee Rd., after they left their car running.
Studies by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine indicated that in cities such as Chicago that have mandated the installation of carbon monoxide detectors the number of carbon monoxide-related deaths have declined.
State Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, who attended the meeting in which Janelle's Law was passed, said he is making it a legislative priority in his rookie year for the state to follow Hialeah's lead.
Janelle Bertot, an honors student at Western High School in Davie, died after she and her boyfriend, Tony Perez, 25, were exposed to carbon monoxide due to a faulty exhaust system in Perez's 1993 Mercury Villager.
City Council Vice President Hernandez attended police academy with Janelle's father and worked alongside him at the Hialeah police department.
"I was touched personally by this situation," Hernandez said, explaining why he proposed the law. "I saw the effect that losing her had on him. We want to avoid these type of painful situations from happening again. It's such a small price and it's such a small step we can take to make a big change."
Barbara Bertot, who now lives in Weston, said she is not stopping with just a law in Hialeah. She plans on contacting the Westons City Council about adopting a similar measure and will push for it state-wide.
"Janelle was the type of person [who] when she believed in something she always tried to correct things done wrong," Barbara Bertot said. "Now it's my job to avoid this pain for countless other people. Had this tragedy been me, I know 150 percent Janelle would have done this for me."
Mandatory CO Laws
This is also a law in Minnesota as well. I believe that most if not all states will require CO detectors in the coming years. This is a good thing as it is so dangerous. The bad thing is that most of the CO detectors available in retail stores while relatively cheap, have very low sensitivity and will only go off if the CO level gets above a major amount. What people do not realize is that even in very small amounts over time, CO can still hurt you. You need a highly sensitive CO detector/dosimeter in the home to check for those low levels and to let you know what your total dose was over a certain period of time to make absolutely sure you and your family is safe and so that you can fix a potentially dangerous situation before it gets out of hand. See www.transducertech.com for more information.
New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law in Illinois Effective January 1
Market Wire, December, 2006
Beginning Monday, January 1, Illinois homeowners, landlords and owners of occupied buildings with one or more sleeping areas will be required to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, in accordance with the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Act.
"The law applies to occupancies that use fossil fuel such as natural gas for residential heating, cooking and hot water heating, as well as occupancies connected to a residential garage," said David Foreman, Illinois state fire marshal. "CO alarms must be installed within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping."
"Also make sure CO alarms are 15 to 30 feet away from furnaces and other sources of natural gas combustion," John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., said. "This helps keep local fire departments from having to respond to a false alarm situation."
Carbon monoxide alarms may be battery operated, plug-in with battery back-up or wired into the home's AC power with a secondary battery back-up. They also must bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, and must comply with the most recent safety standards.
Known as the silent killer, CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete burning of fuel, such as propane, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, oil, wood and charcoal. Sources of CO in homes can include malfunctioning gas-fired appliances, space heaters and chimney flues. Each year more than 500 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Most deaths (64 percent) occur inside homes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Symptoms of CO poisoning include nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulty and confusion -- but they are general enough to be confused with the flu," according to Dr. Jerrold Leikin, director of Medical Toxicology for Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Illinois.
"CO alarms are designed to alert residents before carbon monoxide concentrations grow to toxic levels, often giving homeowners hours of advance notice."
In addition to installing CO alarms, the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal and UL offer the following tips to prevent CO poisoning and what to do if your alarm goes off: -- Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and
chimneys to ensure they operate correctly and that nothing blocks the
vapors from being vented out of the house
-- Test your CO alarm monthly and replace the battery annually
-- Make sure all family members know the difference between the sound of
a CO alarm and smoke alarm
-- Never ignore a CO alarm. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately operate
the reset/silence button and call your fire department or 9-1-1
-- After a CO alarm goes off, move to fresh air, either outside or to an
open window or door. Account for every household member
-- Don't re-enter your home or move away from the open door or window
until the emergency services have arrived, the home is sufficiently aired
out and the CO alarm doesn't reactivate
-- If your CO alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat the steps
above and call a qualified technician to examine your appliances, identify
the source of CO, and make any appropriate repairs
New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law in Illinois Effective January 1
Market Wire, December, 2006
Beginning Monday, January 1, Illinois homeowners, landlords and owners of occupied buildings with one or more sleeping areas will be required to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, in accordance with the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Act.
"The law applies to occupancies that use fossil fuel such as natural gas for residential heating, cooking and hot water heating, as well as occupancies connected to a residential garage," said David Foreman, Illinois state fire marshal. "CO alarms must be installed within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping."
"Also make sure CO alarms are 15 to 30 feet away from furnaces and other sources of natural gas combustion," John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., said. "This helps keep local fire departments from having to respond to a false alarm situation."
Carbon monoxide alarms may be battery operated, plug-in with battery back-up or wired into the home's AC power with a secondary battery back-up. They also must bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, and must comply with the most recent safety standards.
Known as the silent killer, CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete burning of fuel, such as propane, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, oil, wood and charcoal. Sources of CO in homes can include malfunctioning gas-fired appliances, space heaters and chimney flues. Each year more than 500 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Most deaths (64 percent) occur inside homes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Symptoms of CO poisoning include nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulty and confusion -- but they are general enough to be confused with the flu," according to Dr. Jerrold Leikin, director of Medical Toxicology for Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Illinois.
"CO alarms are designed to alert residents before carbon monoxide concentrations grow to toxic levels, often giving homeowners hours of advance notice."
In addition to installing CO alarms, the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal and UL offer the following tips to prevent CO poisoning and what to do if your alarm goes off: -- Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and
chimneys to ensure they operate correctly and that nothing blocks the
vapors from being vented out of the house
-- Test your CO alarm monthly and replace the battery annually
-- Make sure all family members know the difference between the sound of
a CO alarm and smoke alarm
-- Never ignore a CO alarm. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately operate
the reset/silence button and call your fire department or 9-1-1
-- After a CO alarm goes off, move to fresh air, either outside or to an
open window or door. Account for every household member
-- Don't re-enter your home or move away from the open door or window
until the emergency services have arrived, the home is sufficiently aired
out and the CO alarm doesn't reactivate
-- If your CO alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat the steps
above and call a qualified technician to examine your appliances, identify
the source of CO, and make any appropriate repairs
Monday, January 8, 2007
Carbon Monoxide General Information
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Definition
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Burns with a violet flame. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and benzene. Specific gravity 0.96716; boiling point -190oC; solidification point -207oC; specific volume 13.8 cu. ft./lb. (70oF). Auto ignition temperature (liquid) 1128oF. Classed as an inorganic compound.Source: "The Condensed Chemical Dictionary," 9th ed., revised by Gessner G. Hawley, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., NY, 1977.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.
Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide
At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.
Levels in Homes
Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
Do not idle the car inside garage.
Measurement Methods
Some relatively high-cost infrared radiation adsorption and electrochemical instruments do exist. Moderately priced real-time measuring devices are also available. The Pocket CO is a nanoelectronic carbon monoxide detecting instrument that has an 85 decibel alarm at 2 feet, a vibrating alarm, and LED warning of toxic gas. With a weight of less than 2 ounces it is the smallest known loud alarm detector/dosimeter presently available. The applications range from Emergency responders, industrial occupational safety to personal use. To view specs or make inquires visit www.transducertech.com. Product availability is the first quarter of 2007.
Standards or Guidelines
No standards for CO have been agreed upon for indoor air. The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air are 9 ppm (40,000 micrograms per meter cubed) for 8 hours, and 35 ppm for 1 hour.
Additional Resources
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumer can obtain recall information at CPSC's web site - http://www.cpsc.gov/ Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov
Links to Additional Information
EPA's Office of Air and Radiation page - "CO - How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Way We Live and Breathe"
EPA's Office of Research and Development:
Carbon Monoxide and the Nervous System. Raub, J. A., and V. A. Benignus. Carbon Monoxide and the Nervous System. NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS 26(8):925-940, (2002).
Carbon Monoxide Poisoining - A Public Health Perspective. Raub, J. A., M. Mathieunolf, N. B. Hampson, and S. R. Thom. Carbon Monoxide Poinsoning--a Public Health Perspective. TOXICOLOGY (145):1-14, (2000).
Revised Evaluation of Health Effects Associated With Carbon Monoxide Exposure: An Addendum to the 1979 EPA Air Quality Criteria Document for Carbon Monoxide Benignus, V., L. Grant, D. Mckee, and J. Raub. Revised Evaluation of Health Effects Associated With Carbon Monoxide Exposure: An Addendum to the 1979 EPA Air Quality Criteria Document for Carbon Monoxide. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/8-83/033F (NTIS PB85103471).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)National Center for Environmental Health
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet - (offered in many languages) - www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Office of Information and Public AffairsWashington, D.C. 20207www.cpsc.gov
CPSC protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, you can go to CPSC's forms page - www.cpsc.gov/talk.html and use the first on-line form on that page. Or, you can call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or send the information to info@cpsc.gov.
Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers (CPSC document #466)
"Your Home Fire Safety Checklist" - www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/556.html - CPSC document #556
Surviving the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina CPSC Warns of Deadly Post-Storm Dangers with Portable Generators, Candles and Wet Appliances - www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05251.html August 31, 2005, CPSC Release #05-251
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727Voice: (301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441www.usfa.fema.gov
Carbon Monoxide page - www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/co/
Exposing an Invisible Killer: The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide - www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/co/fswy17.shtm
American Lung Associationwww.lungusa.org
Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide - www.lungusa.org/air/carbon_factsheet99.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administrationwww.osha.gov
Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide - www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health
"Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/carbonmonoxidepoisoning.html
About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CPSC Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Every Home (January 18, 2001 CPSC Release # 01-069)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CPSC also urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances -- including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, and space heaters -- to detect deadly carbon monoxide leaks. CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html
Definition
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Burns with a violet flame. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and benzene. Specific gravity 0.96716; boiling point -190oC; solidification point -207oC; specific volume 13.8 cu. ft./lb. (70oF). Auto ignition temperature (liquid) 1128oF. Classed as an inorganic compound.Source: "The Condensed Chemical Dictionary," 9th ed., revised by Gessner G. Hawley, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., NY, 1977.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.
Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide
At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.
Levels in Homes
Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
Do not idle the car inside garage.
Measurement Methods
Some relatively high-cost infrared radiation adsorption and electrochemical instruments do exist. Moderately priced real-time measuring devices are also available. The Pocket CO is a nanoelectronic carbon monoxide detecting instrument that has an 85 decibel alarm at 2 feet, a vibrating alarm, and LED warning of toxic gas. With a weight of less than 2 ounces it is the smallest known loud alarm detector/dosimeter presently available. The applications range from Emergency responders, industrial occupational safety to personal use. To view specs or make inquires visit www.transducertech.com. Product availability is the first quarter of 2007.
Standards or Guidelines
No standards for CO have been agreed upon for indoor air. The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air are 9 ppm (40,000 micrograms per meter cubed) for 8 hours, and 35 ppm for 1 hour.
Additional Resources
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumer can obtain recall information at CPSC's web site - http://www.cpsc.gov/ Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov
Links to Additional Information
EPA's Office of Air and Radiation page - "CO - How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Way We Live and Breathe"
EPA's Office of Research and Development:
Carbon Monoxide and the Nervous System. Raub, J. A., and V. A. Benignus. Carbon Monoxide and the Nervous System. NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS 26(8):925-940, (2002).
Carbon Monoxide Poisoining - A Public Health Perspective. Raub, J. A., M. Mathieunolf, N. B. Hampson, and S. R. Thom. Carbon Monoxide Poinsoning--a Public Health Perspective. TOXICOLOGY (145):1-14, (2000).
Revised Evaluation of Health Effects Associated With Carbon Monoxide Exposure: An Addendum to the 1979 EPA Air Quality Criteria Document for Carbon Monoxide Benignus, V., L. Grant, D. Mckee, and J. Raub. Revised Evaluation of Health Effects Associated With Carbon Monoxide Exposure: An Addendum to the 1979 EPA Air Quality Criteria Document for Carbon Monoxide. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/8-83/033F (NTIS PB85103471).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)National Center for Environmental Health
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet - (offered in many languages) - www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Office of Information and Public AffairsWashington, D.C. 20207www.cpsc.gov
CPSC protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, you can go to CPSC's forms page - www.cpsc.gov/talk.html and use the first on-line form on that page. Or, you can call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or send the information to info@cpsc.gov.
Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers (CPSC document #466)
"Your Home Fire Safety Checklist" - www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/556.html - CPSC document #556
Surviving the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina CPSC Warns of Deadly Post-Storm Dangers with Portable Generators, Candles and Wet Appliances - www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05251.html August 31, 2005, CPSC Release #05-251
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727Voice: (301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441www.usfa.fema.gov
Carbon Monoxide page - www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/co/
Exposing an Invisible Killer: The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide - www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/co/fswy17.shtm
American Lung Associationwww.lungusa.org
Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide - www.lungusa.org/air/carbon_factsheet99.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administrationwww.osha.gov
Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide - www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health
"Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/carbonmonoxidepoisoning.html
About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CPSC Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Every Home (January 18, 2001 CPSC Release # 01-069)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CPSC also urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances -- including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, and space heaters -- to detect deadly carbon monoxide leaks. CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html
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