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Re: Carbon monoxide in basement

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: HVAC
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 15 Dec 2002
Time: 01:55 AM

Comments

If you have reason to believe that your basement boiler room has excessive levels of carbon monoxide, this is a very serious condition that needs immediate attention. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless by-product of combustion. High levels are a sign of improper ventilation (exhaust), a clogged stack, or an inefficient furnace. You should immediately test for CO levels using an off-the-shelf Carbon Monoxide detector available from the Home Depot. Avoid using your boiler or being in the house until this is fixed. The results could be fatal! The following information is reprinted from the US EPA website:

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves. Automobile exhaust from attached garages. Environmental tobacco smoke.

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Levels in Homes Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards
• Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually
• Repair any leaks promptly
• Do not idle the car inside garage

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