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 -190^oC; solidification point -207^oC; specific volume 13.8 cu. ft./lb. (70^oF).  Autoignition temperature (liquid) 1128^oF.  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.

Links

National Center for Environmental Health
Air and Respiratory Health Branch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Checklist for Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Office of Information and Public Affairs,
Washington, D.C. 20207
Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers (CPSC document #466)

American Lung Association Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide
http://www.lungusa.org/air/carbon_factsheet99.html

Subject-Specific Publications

Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, October 1996 (402-F-96-005)

Discusses health hazards associated with exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, faintness, and, at high levels, death. Provides guidance on what to do if you think you are suffering from CO poisoning and what to do to prevent exposure to CO. Also included is a brief discussion about carbon monoxide detectors.

Proteja su vida y la de su familia evitando el envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono (ref. # 402-F-97-004)

This fact sheet has also been translated into Vietnamese (ref. # 402-F-96-005C), Chinese (ref. # 402-F-96-005A), and Korean (ref. # 402-F-96-005B). To get copies of any of these, contact IAQINFO at 1-800-438-4318.

The "Senseless" Killer, 1993

Prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, this leaflet describes symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, sources of carbon monoxide in the home, and actions that can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What You Should Know About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution, 1993 (400-F-91-100)

This brochure was prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Lung Association, and the EPA and answers commonly-asked questions about the effect of combustion appliances (e.g., fuel-burning furnaces, space heaters, kitchen ranges, and fireplaces) on indoor air quality and human health. It describes other sources of combustion pollutants in and around the home and it suggests ways to reduce exposure to such pollutants and encourages proper installation, use, and maintenance of combustion appliances.

ALERT!! Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline-Powered Engines and Tools. (1996)

This joint alert from NIOSH, CDPHE, CPSC, OSHA and EPA warns that people using gasoline-powered tools such as high-pressure washers, concrete cutting saws (walk-behind/hand-held), power trowels, floor buffers, welders, pumps, compressors, and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces have been poisoned by Carbon Monoxide. Recommendations for preventing CO poisoning are provided for employers, equipment users, tool rental agencies, and tool manufacturers.

Single copies of the Alert [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-118] are available for free from:  Publication Dissemination, IED, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226
fax number: (513) 533-8573, phone number: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
e-mail: pubstaft@niosdt1.em.cdc.gov