ARB Issues Wintertime Carbon Monoxide Health Advisory
26 November 1997
ARB Issues Wintertime Carbon Monoxide Health Advisory
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 26 -- On average, 45 Californians
die each year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and many more experience
flu-like symptoms from moderate CO exposure. More than half of the deaths are
from malfunctioning or improperly vented combustion appliances such as gas and
propane heaters, furnaces and hibachis. One third of the deaths
are from accidental exposure to carbon monoxide from vehicles running
in closed garages or idling for long periods of time.
"Outdoor carbon monoxide levels have been reduced drastically since 1970.
However, accidents still occur, especially during winter when carbon monoxide
levels are highest. Many of those accidents happen when people are exposed to
lethal levels of carbon monoxide indoors caused by poorly vented stoves,
fireplaces and furnaces," said Air Resources Board (ARB) Chairman John Dunlap.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that results from burning
fuels. At below-lethal levels, CO can still cause headaches, nausea or heart
pain. The compound triggers responses in humans by displacing oxygen in red
blood cells and depriving heart and brain tissue of enough oxygen to function
properly. Extended exposure to high carbon monoxide levels can result in
permanent heart or brain damage and even death.
"Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are under-diagnosed and often go
unrecognized by the victims and their doctors. The most susceptible victims
include infants, small children, the elderly and heart and respiratory
patients," added Dunlap.
ARB data show that outdoor carbon monoxide levels rise throughout
California between November and March because the compound tends to disperse
more slowly in cool outdoor temperatures and because of the greater use of
home heating equipment that may release CO through exhaust vents. Outdoor
levels of CO high enough to trigger health complaints in sensitive people have
been measured in covered garages and at busy intersections. Care should also
be taken not to operate car engines or other gasoline-powered equipment in
enclosed or attached garages.
The good news is that CO poisoning can be prevented by proper use,
maintenance and venting of any appliances that produce a flame. Unvented
appliances, such as kerosene and propane heaters, charcoal grills and unvented
gas logs should never be used indoors. In fact, it is illegal for such
appliances to be marketed for residential use in California.
People who heat with fireplaces and older wall or floor furnaces should be
especially careful. Fireplaces and wood stoves should be checked for damage
and cleaned each year before use. Contact your local utility company or a
state-approved weatherization contractor immediately if you are concerned
about the safety of your furnace. The ARB also encourages annual furnace
check-ups by a qualified professional and the use of UL-approved carbon
monoxide detectors that sound an alarm when dangerous CO levels are detected.
Periodic inspection of your stove or fireplace is essential to ensure its
continued safe and clean-burning operation. Be sure you carefully check and
repair the following as needed:
* Chimney cap -- can be plugged by debris which will reduce draft.
* Chimney -- should be cleaned professionally at least once a year to
remove creosote buildup.
* Catalytic combustor -- holes can plug up; follow instructions to clean.
* Stovepipe -- angles and bolts are particularly subject to corrosion.
* Gaskets -- on airtight stove doors need replacement every few years.
* Seams -- on stoves sealed with furnace cement may leak. Eventually the
cement dries out, becomes brittle and may fall out.
* Firebrick -- may be broken or missing.
* Grate -- or stove bottom where the fire is built; this may crack or
break.
Free booklets, "Combustion Pollutants in Your Home" and the "Woodburning
Handbook," are available from ARB by calling (916) 322-2990, accessing the
ARB's Website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/indoor/indoor.htm, or by writing to: Air
Resources Board, Office of Communications, P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA
95812.
The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental
Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health,
welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air
pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB
oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and
maintain health based air quality standards.
SOURCE California Environmental Protection Agency