 
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution -
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Definition
Colorless gas or liquid;
practically odorless. Burns with a violet flame. Slightly
soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and benzene. Specific
gravity 0.96716; boiling point -190oC; solidification point
-207oC; specific volume 13.8 cu. ft./lb. (70oF). Auto
ignition temperature (liquid) 1128oF. Classed as an
inorganic compound.
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; generators and other gasoline
powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages;
and 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.
| Description |
Sources |
Standards or
Guidelines |
| Carbon monoxide
(CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless
gas. It results from incomplete oxidation of
carbon in combustion. |
Incomplete
oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and
unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high
concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or
poorly adjusted and maintained combustion
devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be
significant sources, or if the flue is
improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is
leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from
attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas
can also be a source. |
No standards for
CO have been agreed upon for indoor air. The
U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
outdoor air are 9 ppm (40,000 micrograms per
meter cubed) for 8 hours, and 35 ppm for 1 hour. |
| Health Effects |
Measurement
Methods |
Control
Measures |
| Acute effects are
due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the
blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At
moderate concentrations, angina, impaired
vision, and reduced brain function may result.
At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be
fatal. |
Some relatively
high-cost infrared radiation adsorption and
electrochemical instruments do exist.
Moderately priced real-time measuring devices
are also available. A passive monitor is
currently under development. |
It is most
important to be sure combustion equipment is
maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use
should be carefully managed adjacent to
buildings and in vocational programs.
Additional ventilation can be used as a
temporary measure when high levels of CO are
expected for short periods of time |
|
 |
Services:
Carbon Monoxide
North Bay Office
1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Floor
Walnut Creek, California 94596
(800) 660-1808 Toll Free
(925) 937-0700 Phone
South Bay Office
6472 Camden Ave., Ste. 102B
San Jose, California 95120
(800) 660-1808 Toll Free
(408) 866-4141 Phone
"My family purchased and moved into an old Victorian home
in Santa Cruz. About three weeks into our residency all of
us started experiencing shortness of breathe, nausea,
dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms were initially
confused with flu symptoms or food poisoning. As time went
on and many doctor visits we quickly determined our new home
was the contributing source of our symptoms.
ERT, Inc.
was highly recommended to us by a friend that had used them
in the past for an indoor air quality investigation. ERT,
Inc. responded immediately and determined that our old
Victorian home contained a gas stove and solid fuel-powered
water heater that are both potential sources of carbon
monoxide. It was noted in our previous home inspection
report that both of these units were poorly maintained and
not serviced and housed in poorly ventilated areas.
ERT, Inc.
stated that when the waste products of combustion are not
effectively removed, poisonous gas mixtures may re-enter the
home. I was amazed to find out that this problem is not just
associated with older or poorer homes; it can also affect
the occupants of newer homes with gas central heating.
Exhaust fumes from cars is another obvious source. ERT, Inc.
carbon monoxide testing confirmed our family was being
exposed to high levels, and this was the direct cause of us
experiencing shortness of breathe, nausea, dizziness, and
headaches since moving into the residence. Thanks to ERT,
Inc. we have made the proper corrections, replaced the
equipment, and improved ventilation in certain areas of the
residence. Now our family spends more time at home, and less
time visiting the doctors office."
Joe Antuzzi
Santa Cruz, CA |
