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11:25 a.m., Nov. 15, 2002--Most of us would like to believe that our homes are safe and healthy havens, yet dangers we can’t see—such as carbon monoxide—can lurk there. Ron Jester, Cooperative Extension safety specialist at the University of Delaware, says that people can take safety precautions to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning.
“With the home heating season just beginning, it’s critical to alert people that their homes can harbor potentially hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide,” Jester says. “Because carbon monoxide is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, a homeowner may not recognize the problem until tragedy occurs.”
Every year, an average of 500 people die in their homes as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, a highly preventable cause of death.
“Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels, such as natural gas, propane, fuel oil, wood, charcoal and gasoline, are burned,” Jester says. “When heating equipment is working properly, this poisonous gas is vented outside through the chimney. However, faulty furnaces, boilers, water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces can lead to carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
“Most carbon monoxide problems occur when a combustion appliance is not maintained properly,” Jester warns. “A cracked heat exchanger or blocked chimney also poses a serious threat, so make repairs immediately.”
Jester recommends an annual inspection and cleaning of heating systems, chimneys and flues. He also offers these tips to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Never use ovens or gas ranges to heat a home, even during an emergency.
- Make sure fireplace dampers are open when a fireplace is in use.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or enclosed space.
- Choose vented fuel-burning appliances whenever possible.
- If you must use an unvented space heater, make sure the area you use it in is well ventilated.
“Consider using a carbon monoxide alarm,” Jester says. “Although alarms are no substitute for combustion appliance maintenance, they can provide warnings in dangerous situations. The best place for a carbon monoxide alarm is near sleeping areas.”
He says that the alarms purchased should meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, be easily self-tested and be reset quickly to ensure proper functioning.
UD’s Cooperative Extension offices offer free fact sheets to help you identify and address carbon monoxide poisoning and other home hazards. Contact your local Extension office for more information. In New Castle County, call 831-COOP; in Kent County, 730-4000; and in Sussex County, 302-856-7303.
Article by Margo McDonough
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