Carbon monoxide can be risk at home

Bill Wilson

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 | 1:18 p.m.

It has become painfully obvious that old man winter is upon us. Because of the low temperatures, time spent indoors increases for most people. Subsequently we are more susceptible to the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless deadly gas. Because you can't see, taste or smell it, CO can kill before you know it's there.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Experts believe, however, that individuals with greater oxygen requirements such as unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with coronary or respiratory problems are at greater risk.

CO exposure causes symptoms similar to the flu, such as headache, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. As levels of CO increase, vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventually brain damage or death can result.

Where does CO come from? It is a byproduct of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned. It is produced by common home appliances, such as gas or oil furnaces, refrigerators, clothes dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, charcoal grills, gas ranges, wood-burning stoves and space heaters. Fumes from automobiles also contain carbon monoxide and can enter a home though walls or doorways if a car is left running in an attached garage.

In today's energy-efficient, homes insulation meant to keep heated or cooled air inside can trap CO-polluted air in a home year-round. Furnace heat exchangers can crack, vents can become blocked, inadequate air supply for combustion appliance can cause conditions known as backdrafting or reverse stacking, which force contaminated air back into the home.

Often, the need for smoke detectors overshadows the need for carbon monoxide detectors. Like smoke detectors, the Boulder City Fire Department suggests you have at least one CO detector outside of every sleeping area in your household.

Finally, we suggest you get appliances checked for leaks on a regular basis. Southwest Gas can perform this service on any gas appliances you may have.

Also check the flue of your fireplace to see if it is blocked. For further information, contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 293-9228.

Bill Wilson, a firefighter-paramedic for the Boulder City Fire Department, can be reached at 293-9228.