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newsrel -- Carbon Monoxide: A Colder Months' Health Threat

Posted: 27 Oct 2009 10:44:34
All flames produce hazardous emissions and should be properly
ventilated to prevent health threats. 

Release 09-97
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2009
	  	  	
Dimitri Stanich
(916)-322-2825
www.arb.ca.gov

Carbon Monoxide: A Colder Months' Health Threat

Heating appliances should be inspected and CO detectors
installed

Watch video explaining the dangers from CO here:
www.arb.ca.gov/videos/indoor_poison_small.wmv

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board is urging Californians to
protect their families from carbon monoxide poisoning by having
gas appliances inspected and detectors installed before the cold
weather arrives.

On average each year, 35 Californians and 450 people nationally
die from accidental CO poisoning, and many more experience
flu-like symptoms from exposure to harmful but non-lethal levels
of CO. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that blocks
the use of oxygen in the body. Young children and individuals
with heart disease are those most likely to be affected by CO
poisoning. Warning signs of exposure to CO are headache,
drowsiness, nausea, and inability to concentrate, which go away
when the person gets fresh air for awhile.

"A call for a free inspection from your local utility company
can help assure that your family is safe," said ARB Chairman Mary
Nichols. "I can't urge people strongly enough to take advantage
of this service."

More than half of all CO poisoning deaths are from
malfunctioning or improperly vented combustion appliances in
homes. ARB recommends that everyone:

    * Properly use and maintain any appliances that produce a
flame, such as gas furnaces and gas and propane space heaters;
this can prevent exposure to lethal levels of CO.
    * Never use gas ovens to heat the home;
    * Never use kerosene or propane space heaters, charcoal
grills, barbecues, or unvented gas logs indoors. These are
dangerous and cannot be used legally in California homes;
    * Use caution when heating with propane appliances, older
wall or floor gas furnaces and fireplaces;
    * Obtain annual check-ups of all gas appliances by a
qualified professional;
    * Use Underwriters Laboratory approved CO detectors that
sound an alarm when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are found;
some also have warning signals or digital readouts to indicate
lower levels of CO that may indicate an appliance problem;
    * Place emergency generators outdoors and away from windows
and doors to prevent fumes from entering the home; and,
    * Be especially careful with appliances in recreational
vehicles and houseboats, and be sure to use CO detectors
specifically made for these locations. 

If you are concerned about the safety of your gas furnace or
oven, contact your local utility provider or utility certified
heating contractor immediately and request a combustion appliance
safety test that includes CO measurements. Some utility companies
will inspect home equipment for little or no charge.

In addition, do not to operate cars or other internal combustion
engines in enclosed spaces or attached garages. A third of CO
poisoning deaths are the result of accidental exposure from
vehicles running in closed garages.

ARB data show that outdoor CO levels rise throughout California
between the months of November and March because of stagnant
weather conditions. These levels have been measured in covered
garages and at busy intersections. Rising levels of outdoor CO
may generate health complaints in sensitive people.

For more information on indoor combustion pollutants, see our
indoor air quality guideline entitled "Combustion Pollutants in
Your Home" at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/combustf.htm.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

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