Kidde KN-COPP-3 manual Carbon Monoxide Safety, What is Carbon Monoxide?, Where Does CO Come From?

Carbon Monoxide Safety

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when any fuel is burned – gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal, and even tobac- co. When combustion air is limited, more CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented outside the house.

You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the news recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups like the American Lung Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have made it a prior- ity to warn the public about the dangers of this deadly household poison.

What are the Effects of CO Exposure?

When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. Carbon monoxide mole- cules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and vital organs. As carbon monox- ide accumulates in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxy- gen. The amount of carbon monoxide in a person’s body can be measured by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin level” test .

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.

Could Your Family be at Risk from CO Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000 Americans are affected by CO poisoning each year.

While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small chil- dren, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death or serious injury.

Where Does CO Come From?

Inside your home malfunctioning and improperly vented appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles run- ning in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential problem from a number of common sources – automobiles,

furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space heaters and portable generators.

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