What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide:
- Open windows
- Leave the house
- Call 911 |
Reminder!!
Every home has to have working carbon monoxide detectors. Check with your local fire department in your area on how many you will need and where they should be installed. |
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Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide testers.
Some of the by-products from combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour. Incomplete combustion will produce carbon and carbon monoxide. It is also found in combustion exhaust produced by cars, gasoline engines, lanterns, gas ranges and other heating systems.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odorless. It is also poisonous and, in high concentrations, can cause unconsciousness, brain damage or death.
Carbon monoxide, if inhaled, depletes oxygen from the the red blood cells.
CARBON MONOXIDE IS PRODUCED WHEN
* A cracked heat exchanger causes the burner to burn improperly, produce carbon monoxide and allow flue gases to enter the house through the air supply ducts.
* The burner is not burning properly.
* The chimney is blocked. If this is the case, flue gases cannot escape and will spill into the house. If the spilled gases are burned again, carbon monoxide is produced.
It is recommended to open the chimney clean-out and check the ash-pit before the start of each heating season. If you see leaves, twigs or other nesting material, don't start the furnace or fireplace. Have the chimney checked and cleared of all obstructions.
SIGNS OF CARBON MONOXIDE
It may not always be easy to detect carbon monoxide but there are some signs that indicate its presence.
Flu-like symptoms like slight or severe headaches, dizziness, loss of muscle control, nausea, vomiting and vision or hearing problems.
If these symptoms occur mostly when home and all members of the family are effected, carbon monoxide could be the cause. In high concentrations carbon monoxide can cause death.
Soot marks could be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger and carbon monoxide. A build-up of soot will plug up the furnace and eventually shut it down.
A yellow pilot light or burner flame instead of a clear blue flame, means that the burner is not properly burning and carbon and/or carbon monoxide may be produced.
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