Monóxido De Carbono - Preguntas Y Respuestas
CPSC Document #466S
What is carbon monoxide and how is it produced in the home?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burners of solid, liquid or gaseous fuels that do not burn completely. Appliances burning natural gas, liquid petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal or wood can produce CO. Burning coal produces CO just like running cars.
How many people are unintentionally poisoned by CO?
Each year, more than 200 people die in the United States from CO produced by combustion appliances such as space heaters, furnaces, and water heaters. Other people die from CO that is produced by burning coal inside the house, garage, a vehicle, or a tent. Still other people die from the CO that is produced by cars when they are left running inside the closed garage. Thousands of people arrive at hospital emergency rooms to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu (but without fever). These include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irregular breathing
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Many people who suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning mistakenly mistake these symptoms for those of the flu or are sometimes misdiagnosed by doctors resulting in tragic deaths.
What should you do to prevent CO poisoning?
- Make sure combustion appliances and burners are installed in accordance with factory instructions and local building codes. The vast majority of combustion appliances must be installed by professionals. Have your home’s heating system (including chimneys and fans) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should check that chimneys and flues are not blocked, rusted, disconnected (partially or completely), or loosely connected.
- Install CO alarms that meet the current requirements of UL Standard 2034 or the requirements of IAS Standard 6-96. A carbon monoxide alarm can provide you and your family with additional protection, but it is not a substitute for proper use and maintenance of combustion appliances that can produce CO. Install the CO detector alarm in the hallway near all sleeping areas in the home. Make sure the detector cannot be covered by furniture or curtains.
- Never burn charcoal inside the house, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never use portable camping fuel equipment inside your home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never service combustion appliances without proper knowledge, skill, or tools. Always refer to the owner’s manual when making minor adjustments or servicing combustion appliances.
- Never use gas appliances such as stoves, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
- Never use unvented combustion appliances in any place with closed doors or windows or in any room where anyone sleeps.
Do not use gasoline-powered tools or engines in closed areas.
What level of CO is dangerous for your health?
The effects of CO depend on the level of CO and the length of time one has been exposed to it, as well as the person’s physical condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). The effects of being exposed to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain and the vast majority of people do not suffer any symptoms within these levels. However, some heart patients may experience an increase in chest pains. When CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more apparent (headaches, fatigue, nausea). And as CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, loss of consciousness and even death are possible.
What should one do if they are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning?
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call the fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do not take appropriate measures in time. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately to receive a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing problems. Immediate medical attention is very important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when operating combustion appliances. Before turning combustion appliances on again, have them checked for malfunctions by a qualified service person.
What has changed recently in CO detector alarms?
CO detector alarms have always been and continue to be designed in such a way that they warn before CO levels become potentially life-threatening. The UL standard 2034 (the 1998 revision) has more stringent requirements that the detector alarm must meet before it can sound. As a result, the possibility of nuisance alarms has decreased.
What should one do when the CO alarm goes off?
Never ignore a CO detector alarm that is alerting you. If the detector alarm sounds: Press the reset button, call your emergency services (fire department or 911), and immediately get fresh air by leaving your home or opening a door or window.
How can a consumer test a CO alarm to be sure it is working?
Consumers should follow manufacturers’ instructions. Some detector alarms have a test button to check that the circuits and sensors that detect CO are working. The test button on some other detector alarms only tests whether the circuits are working. That’s why some manufacturers sell a separate test kit to help consumers test the CO sensor located inside the alarm.
What is the role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning?
CPSC has worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety standard (UL 2034) for CO alarms. The CPSC also helps promote carbon monoxide safety awareness and helps increase awareness of the dangers associated with CO and the need to regularly service combustion appliances. The CPSC recommends that every home have a CO alarm (meeting the latest requirements of UL Standard 2034 or IAS Standard 6-96) in the hallway near all sleeping areas of the home. CPSC also works with industry to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for combustion appliances.
Is the installation of detector alarms required in some cities?
On September 15, 1993, Chicago, Illinois became one of the first cities in the nation to adopt an ordinance requiring, effective October 1, 1994, the installation of detector alarms in all new homes and in all existing homes that have gas or oil heaters. Several other cities also require CO alarms in apartment buildings and other types of housing.
Should CO alarms be used in mobile homes and other recreational vehicles?
CO detector alarms for boats and other recreational vehicles are available and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires the use of CO alarms on mobile homes and tow vehicles that have a generator or are conditioned for the use of a generator.
