Gas Pipeline Safety
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Carbon Monoxide Levels - How Much is too Much?
by Alexandria Haber
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.
Due to this fact, it is very hard to detect the presence of CO
in your environment. It is, however, imperative that the CO levels
in your home are carefully monitored. Even at relatively low levels,
CO is poisonous because it rapidly accumulates in the blood thereby
depleting its ability to carry oxygen. Extreme cases of CO poisoning
result in death.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO is a common by product of the combustion of fossil fuels. When
properly installed and maintained, most fuel burning equipment
(natural gas, propane or oil) will produce insignificant amounts
of CO.
At what level does carbon monoxide become toxic?
For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher
than 50 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over
an eight hour period.. When the level of CO becomes higher than
that, a person will suffer from symptoms of exposure. Mild exposure
over a few hours (a CO level between 70 ppm and 100 ppm) include
flu-like symptoms such as headaches, sore eyes and a runny nose.
Medium exposure (a CO level between 150 ppm to 300 ppm) will produce
dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting. Extreme exposure (a CO level
of 400 ppm and higher) will result in unconsciousness, brain damage
and death.
How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- have a qualified technician install and regularly inspect all
fuel burning appliances
- regularly inspect fireplaces and chimneys to insure proper ventilation
- never use a gas or charcoal barbeque indoors
- never start a car or gas run lawnmower or snow blower in a closed
garage.
- install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
About the Author
Alexandria Haber is a freelance writer and is the head researcher
and content manager for A Guide to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com
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