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CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
(released January 22, 2009)
As reported today in the press, four (4) people from a northeast Washington home were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Below is a Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet that will help the public be more aware of what can be a deadly issue.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter is a non-profit trade association. They are of service to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet
Many gas appliances have open burners, and older models have pilot lights that burn continuously. It’s important to keep the area around any natural gas appliance clear of flammable substances or objects, particularly gasoline, paints, adhesives, cleaning solvents and oily rags.
Remember that any natural gas appliances located in a residential garage must be installed according to code, so that all burners and burner ignition devices are at least 18 inches above the floor. Don’t use or store flammable products or substances, including those listed above, in the same room or area where your water heater is located.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
How is CO Produced?
How Does CO Affect the Human Body?
What are Some of the Common Sources of CO in a Residence?
Myths about Carbon Monoxide
Myth: Cracks in a heat exchange can produce CO.
Fact: Heat exchanger cracks alone do not produce CO. If a crack exists, and CO is being produced in the combustion process (too much fuel, not enough air), then there is a probability that CO can exit through the crack and into the distribution air.
Myth: There is always CO in the flue gases.
Fact: CO is produced when there is not enough air supplied to a combustion appliance during the process. The balance of fuel and air can change in a matter of minutes, leading to CO productions. CO can be diluted by other gases, producing lower reading when sampling certain locations. The sampling location must be close to combustion process and upstream from any draft diverters.
Myth: Instruments do not need to be calibrated regularly.
Fact: All electronic instruments using highly accurate gas specific sensors must be calibrated on a known concentration of gas every six months, or more frequently if exposed to high level of CO.
(Source: Bacharach, Inc. and Washington Gas)
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Last Updated:
January 05, 2010
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