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About
Carbon Monoxide
Sources
of Indoor Air Pollution - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Definition (from The
Condensed Chemical Dictionary):
Colorless gas or liquid;
practically odorless. 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.
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. Automobile exhaust from attached garages. Environmental
tobacco smoke.
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.
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
- 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.
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| Source:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
EPA Disclaimer:
The information
provided on this page is based upon EPA's current scientific and
technical understanding of the issues presented. Following the
advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all
situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by
indoor air pollution and other indoor environmental contaminants.
Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not
constitute EPA endorsement or recommendation for use. |
EnTech Disclaimer:
EnTech Supply makes no claim as to the accuracy of
the information provided above, which is reprinted as a courtesy to
the reader from an EPA document. The reader should conduct their own
independent research to verify the accuracy of EPA's information. |
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