Carbon Monoxide The Silent, Cold Weather Killer

1
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent, Cold Weather Killer

• Operation Outreach
• American Industrial Hygiene Association
• and the AIHA
• Indoor Environmental Quality Committee

2
What is Carbon Monoxide?

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless,
  and colorless gas
• It is caused by incomplete combustion of solid,
  liquid or gaseous fuels

CO
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Where Does CO Come From?

• Common home appliances that burn fuel can produce
  CO indoors, including
• furnaces
• space heaters
• generators
• stoves, ranges
• water heaters
• clothes dryers
• Automobiles, lawn mowers, etc. can produce CO
  indoors

4
Who is at Risk of CO Poisoning?

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

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Why is CO the Silent, Cold Weather Killer?

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

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How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning?

• Appliances should be approved by a nationally
  recognized authority such as
• Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.)
• American Gas Association (AGA)
• Appliances should be installed properly
• follow manufacturers instructions, building code
  requirements
• should be inspected by the local authority

7
How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning?

• Appliances should be properly maintained
• inspected annually by professionals
• chimneys and flues should also be inspected
• Appliances should be properly used
• follow manufacturers instructions for safe use

8
CO Alarms

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

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Additional Information

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

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Summary

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