Carbon Monoxide Testing
Is your Carbon Monoxide Detector alerting you? Need help keeping your family 100% safe?
Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas but very toxic to humans and animals. It is the most common type of fatal air poisonings around the world.
On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas (www.cpsc.gov).
Here is a chart which can help us understand how much CO over a certain period of time is safe.
Carbon Monoxide Commonly Asked Questions
What is Carbon Monoxide and where does it come from?
Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced by an incomplete burning of various fuels such as propane, kerosene, and natural gas.
What are some symptons of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
It is difficult to know if Carbon Monoxide is in your home without a Carbon Monoxide Detector.
Here are some initial symptoms of being exposed to Carbon Monoxide:
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
If exposed for longer length of time and depending on the level of Carbon Monoxide, symptoms can be more severe.
More severe symptoms include:
What CO level is dangerous to my health?
CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible (www.cpsc.gov).
What do I do if my CO Alarm goes off?
First, you should leave your home. Call emergency services. Ensure everyone is safe and healthy (go to doctor if necessary). If an appliance is the source, do not use until serviced by professional.
If it is a furnace, gas fireplace, boiler, or water heater call us and we can help!
715-386-7131
How can I prevent CO poisoning?
- Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The technician should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose wiring.
- Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owners manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
- Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
- Install a CO alarm. A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
- Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
- Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
- Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
- During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete. (www.cpsc.gov)