Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that can build up in enclosed spaces and poison the people breathing it in. Knowing how to properly air out spaces containing high levels of carbon monoxide can literally save lives. This article will provide a comprehensive overview on detecting, monitoring, and most importantly, removing carbon monoxide from indoor environments.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is produced from the incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon, like gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, coal, and wood. Common sources of dangerous CO buildup indoors include malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, and other fuel-burning appliances.
CO is dangerous because it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen from being carried throughout the body. This oxygen deprivation can lead to headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, disorientation, and even death at high concentrations. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and those with chronic heart disease are most susceptible to CO poisoning.
How to Detect Carbon Monoxide
Since carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to detect dangerous levels is to use CO detectors (also called CO alarms). CO detectors should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and near every sleeping area.
Detectors can be battery-powered or plug-in models. For the best protection, use both types – battery-powered units serve as backup protection during power outages when plug-in models will not work. Combination smoke and CO detectors are also available.
CO detectors sound an alarm when levels reach dangerous concentrations. However, by the time someone experiences symptoms of CO poisoning, the levels are likely very high and potentially deadly. This is why properly placed and maintained detectors are so crucial.
Most CO detectors trigger when levels reach around 50 parts per million (ppm) after 1-2 hours of exposure, or 100 ppm after 10 minutes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that prolonged exposure to levels over 70 ppm can cause health issues, with higher concentrations being increasingly dangerous.
Warning Signs of CO Buildup
In addition to installing detectors, be aware of these common signs of carbon monoxide accumulation:
- Detectors frequently sounding alarms
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion
- Visible soot buildup around appliances
- Pilot lights frequently blowing out
- Increased moisture inside of windows
- Pets or children exhibiting symptoms
If any of these warning signs are present, take action to properly ventilate and air out the space, and have a qualified technician inspect all fuel-burning appliances. Do not ignore frequent CO detector alarms or physical symptoms, as they likely indicate dangerous CO buildup.
How to Air Out Carbon Monoxide
If your CO detector goes off or you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, it is crucial to properly air out the space as quickly as possible. Here are the recommended steps:
1. Evacuate the Area
The first priority is to evacuate everyone (including pets) from the area immediately. Do not waste time ventilating before evacuating – CO can build up to lethal levels in minutes.
Call emergency services once safely outside, and do not re-enter the building until given the all-clear by first responders.
2. Open Doors and Windows
After evacuating, open all doors and windows to maximize fresh air circulation in the space. This will allow built-up CO to vent out, while letting oxygen in.
3. Turn Off Potential CO Sources
Shut down any appliances that could be releasing carbon monoxide, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, stoves, space heaters, and vehicles. For furnaces and water heaters, change the system to “off” rather than just stopping pilot lights.
4. Use Fans to Accelerate Ventilation
Place fans in open doorways and windows to blow air out of the house. This will speed up the dilution and removal of CO. Fans positioned to blow outside air in will also help. Avoid placing fans so they just recirculate inside air.
5. Let the Space Air Out for Several Hours
Keep all doors and windows open, fans running, and potential sources shut off for at least several hours. This allows enough time for dangerous CO concentrations to dissipate.
6. Have a Professional Inspect All Appliances
Before re-occupying the building, have a qualified technician inspect all fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, flues, and vent pipes for proper operation and signs of malfunction. Any issues must be repaired before using the appliances again.
7. Install New CO Detectors
Replace any CO detectors over 5 years old. Detectors do wear out, so having up-to-date models in all required locations will help prevent future issues.
8. Consider Getting a CO Monitor
A portable CO monitor can also be used to accurately measure real-time CO levels during ventilation. Take readings in multiple areas until levels fall below 9 ppm. Monitors also provide helpful documentation when getting appliances repaired.
Tips for Preventing CO Buildup
Along with properly airing out spaces with existing CO accumulation, following these prevention tips will help avoid dangerous carbon monoxide situations:
- Have a qualified professional inspect, clean, and tune-up all fuel-burning appliances annually, prior to cold weather.
- Never idle vehicles indoors, even in garages. Move vehicles immediately once started.
- Never use gas stoves or ovens for heating.
- Only use generators outdoors, far from windows, doors, and vents.
- Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.
- Open the flue before using a fireplace.
- Never cover or block appliance vents.
- Install and maintain CO detectors as recommended.
- Watch for signs of improper appliance operation.
- Don’t ignore symptoms or CO detector alarms.
Following these guidelines, along with properly evacuating and ventilating spaces whenever CO is detected, will help protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
What to Do If CO Poisoning Occurs
If you or someone in your household experiences symptoms of CO poisoning, seek medical attention immediately even if you feel better after getting fresh air. CO can have lasting health effects, so prompt medical care is critical.
Be prepared to answer any questions emergency responders and doctors may have about what happened and the details of CO exposure. Provide them with any measurements from CO detectors or monitors if possible, as this data will help determine appropriate treatment.
Depending on the length and concentration of exposure, treatment may include:
- Administration of 100% supplemental oxygen
- Blood tests to measure carboxyhemoglobin levels
- A hyperbaric oxygen chamber to help restore oxygen levels in the blood
- IV fluids and medication
- Monitoring of neurologic function
- Testing and imaging to check for tissue damage and heart, lung, kidney, or brain abnormalities
Seek follow-up testing and care in the weeks following significant CO exposure, as some damage may only become apparent over time. Neurologic and cognitive issues, post-traumatic stress, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and other lingering effects should be evaluated.
CO Poisoning Statistics and Facts
Some key statistics and facts about carbon monoxide illustrate why properly removing it from indoor air is so vital:
- CO poisoning kills over 400 Americans each year and sends 20,000 more to emergency rooms. It is the #1 cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S.
- From 2010-2015, there were 2,244 accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths.
- Using a generator inside caused over 70% of CO deaths after Hurricane Irma in Florida.
- CO from consumer products causes around 170 unintentional poisoning deaths per year.
- 975 people died from CO poisoning between 1999 and 2010 due to engine-driven tools like generators and power washers.
- Infants and small children are more vulnerable to CO effects due to faster breathing rates.
- CO poisoning sends more than 10,000 children to emergency rooms annually.
- Chronic low-level CO exposure may contribute to long term health damage.
These sobering statistics highlight why adequate prevention and proper response to CO accumulation are so essential. Follow all the steps outlined in this article to protect your family from the serious dangers of carbon monoxide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for carbon monoxide to dissipate from a house?
It typically takes around 3-5 hours of proper ventilation (doors/windows open, fans going) for carbon monoxide levels to fall to safe levels under 9 ppm after evacuation. Have qualified technicians inspect all appliances before re-entry.
Will opening windows get rid of carbon monoxide?
Yes, opening all windows allows accumulated carbon monoxide to dissipate outdoors while letting fresh air circulate indoors. This ventilation process is essential for lowering CO levels.
Can too much carbon monoxide kill you?
Yes, high concentrations of carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to death. Levels above 200 ppm cause headache, nausea, and fatigue within 2-3 hours. Levels above 400 ppm can kill in less than 1 hour. Higher concentrations over 1,000 ppm can kill within minutes.
Will I feel better once removed from carbon monoxide exposure?
Potentially, but seek medical evaluation regardless. Symptoms may resolve when you get fresh air, but CO can still cause lasting damage. Plus, symptoms may return hours later as oxygen levels drop again. So get prompt medical help even if you start feeling better.
Is carbon monoxide heavier or lighter than air?
Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air. It has a density of 0.967 compared to air’s density of 1. So in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide will gradually rise and diffuse unless ventilated properly.
What are long term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Potential long-term effects include chronic headaches, cognitive impairment, personality changes, vision loss, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease-like syndromes, muscle atrophy, stroke, paralysis, and more. Long-term issues can persist even with proper treatment.
Key Takeaways
– Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odorless gas that can be fatal at high concentrations. Know the signs of CO buildup and exposure.
– Use CO detectors on every level and near bedrooms to alert you of dangerously high levels.
– Properly ventilating enclosed spaces by opening doors and windows is crucial for removing carbon monoxide.
– Evacuate the area immediately when CO is detected and do not re-enter until safe CO readings are confirmed.
– Have technicians inspect all fuel-burning appliances for malfunctioning parts before using them again after CO issues.
– Seek medical attention immediately even if symptoms resolve once you get fresh air after CO poisoning.
– Follow preventive steps like annual furnace inspections and never idling vehicles indoors to avoid CO buildup in the first place.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide is responsible for hundreds of avoidable deaths each year, along with thousands more non-fatal poisonings and exposures. But by understanding the risks, properly using CO detectors, and following evacuation, ventilation, and prevention best practices, these tragedies can be prevented. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, take immediate steps to safely purge it from indoor air and get medical assistance. With proper detection, response, and periodic maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, the threat of this toxic gas can be significantly reduced.