Installing carbon monoxide detectors can save your life
By LAURA VAN HOUTEN
Eagle-Gazette Staff
LANCASTER - A simple piece of plastic could save your life. A person can die in seven minutes after being exposed to a high level of carbon monoxide. |
A low level may just make you sick," said Mark H. Roe of BeSure Home Inspection Service in Lancaster. "But a high level can kill you and kill you quick." Roe and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors are urging area residents to install carbon monoxide alarms or detectors to protect themselves from the "silent killer."
"Carbon monoxide detectors are usually the only way to know if there is carbon monoxide in the air," Roe said. "You can't see it, and you can't smell it."
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning organic materials, including non-gas fuels such as coal, wood, oil and paraffin. Poisoning results from faulty heating systems, improper installations, poor ventilation or improperly using appliances.
"Most leaks are found near the furnace," Roe said. "You do find some around hot water tanks, but it's usually the furnace. You find them in all houses - old and new."
Residents can find carbon monoxide detectors - either battery-powered ones or those that plug into an electric outlets - at most major home improvement stores. Roe recommends the plug-in models because residents don't have to worry about changing the batteries.
"But anything is better than nothing," he said. "The electric ones have a digital reader, which gives the rate of carbon monoxide in the air."
If there's a low rate, Roe said people should have a certified HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) inspector check out the problem.
If there's a high rate, they should leave their home immediately.
"They should also call the fire department," he said. "Then I would recommend going to the emergency room even if they feel OK - just to get some more oxygen into your system to cleanse it."
Lancaster Fire Department Assistant Chief John Kraner said people who have been exposed to carbon monoxide may feel like they have the flu.
"They could have headaches, be nauseous or sleepy," he said. "How long the symptoms occur depends on the level of carbon monoxide. If it continues to build up in your bloodstream, the symptoms will be worse."
Kraner said a person's body can tolerate low levels of carbon monoxide.
Treatment depends on how much carbon monoxide a person is exposed to, Kraner said.
"If it's a low level, then just getting them to fresh air can work," he said. "With higher levels, they're starting to treat people in hyperbaric chambers. Some of it is just a matter of getting the person to the hospital."
But if the person is asleep, carbon monoxide can be deadly, the assistant chief said.
The detector Roe uses for his inspections is able to sniff the carbon monoxide in the air. He makes sure to check around the furnace, exhausts and stove burners. The detector also senses gas leaks.
Roe recommends having at least three carbon monoxide detectors in a home.
"One should be in the furnace area," he said. "And one in each bedroom. Also one in the living room area - anywhere where a person may fall asleep, since most people who die from carbon monoxide poisoning die in their sleep."
Kraner agreed that a homeowner's best defense is to put a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the residence.
"It's also important to get any gas-fired appliances checked annually and take into consideration the directions or recommendations on the appliances," he said. "For example, with a kerosene heater, I believe it says to crack a window open when you use it."
Even if a homeowner has carbon monoxide detectors, Roe suggests having a HVAC inspector come at least once a year.
"It's good for two things," he said. "It will make sure the equipment is efficient and you're getting the most out of it," he said. "And they will check to make sure there are no carbon monoxide leaks."
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning or home inspections, go to Roe's Web site at http://www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com/.
Originally published December 27, 2005
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