Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors

by Nick Gromicko 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal.

Facts and Figures

• 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning.
• Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including 56 deaths, and 2,157 non-fatal exposures), and in January (including 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures). The peak time of day for CO exposure is between 6 and 10 p.m.
• Many experts believe that CO poisoning statistics understate the problem. Because the symptoms of CO poisoning mimic a range of common health ailments, it is likely that a large number of mild to mid-level exposures are never identified, diagnosed, or accounted for in any way in carbon monoxide statistics.
• Out of all reported non-fire carbon-monoxide incidents, 89% or almost nine out of 10 of them take place in a home.

Physiology of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When CO is inhaled, it displaces the oxygen that would ordinarily bind with hemoglobin, a process the effectively suffocates the body. CO can poison slowly over a period of several hours, even in low concentrations. Sensitive organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs, suffer the most from a lack of oxygen.

High concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in less than five minutes. At low concentrations, it will require a longer period of time to affect the body. Exceeding the EPA concentration of 9 parts per million (ppm) for more than eight hours may have adverse health affects. The limit of CO exposure for healthy workers, as prescribed by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is 50 ppm.

Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Any fuel-burning appliances which are malfunctioning or improperly installed can be a source of CO, such as:

• furnaces;
• stoves and ovens;
• water heaters;
• dryers; 
• room and space heaters; 
• fireplaces and wood stoves;
• charcoal grills;
• automobiles;
• clogged chimneys or flues;
• space heaters;
• power tools that run on fuel;
• gas and charcoal grills;
• certain types of swimming pool heaters; and 
• boat engines.

PPM	% CO in air	Health Effects in Healthy Adults	Source/Comments
0	0%	no effects; this is the normal level in a properly operating heating appliance
35	0.0035%	maximum allowable workplace exposure limit for an eight-hour work shift	The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
50	0.005%	maximum allowable workplace exposure limit for an eight-hour work shift	OSHA
100	0.01%	slight headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, errors in judgment
125	0.0125%		workplace alarm must sound (OSHA)
200	0.02%	headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness
400	0.04%	severe headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion; can be life-threatening after three hours of exposure	evacuate area immediately
800	0.08%	convulsions, loss of consciousness; death within three hours	evacuate area immediately
12,000	1.2%	nearly instant death

CO Detector Placement

CO detectors can monitor exposure levels, but do not place them:

• directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up;
• within 15 feet of heating and cooking appliances, or in or near very humid areas, such as bathrooms;
• within 5 feet of kitchen stoves and ovens, or near areas locations where household chemicals and bleach are stored (store such chemicals away from bathrooms and kitchens, whenever possible);
• in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas;
• in direct sunlight, or in areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawlspaces, unfinished attics, un-insulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches;
• in turbulent air near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh-air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the CO sensors.

Do place CO detectors:

• within 10 feet of each bedroom door and near all sleeping areas, where it can wake sleepers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recommend that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home, and within hearing range of each sleeping area;
• on every floor of your home, including the basement (source:  International Association of Fire Chiefs/IAFC);
• near or over any attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors are affected by excessive humidity and by close proximity to gas stoves (source:  City of New York);
• near, but not directly above, combustion appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, and in the garage (source:  UL); and
• on the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, and centrally located on every habitable level, and in every HVAC zone of the building (source:  National Fire Protection Association 720). This rule applies to commercial buildings.

In North America, some national, state and local municipalities require installation of CO detectors in new and existing homes, as well as commercial businesses, among them:  Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and New York City, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Installers are encouraged to check with their local municipality to determine what specific requirements have been enacted in their jurisdiction.

How can I prevent CO poisoning?

• Purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing that they meet the requirements of the new UL standard 2034 or Comprehensive Safety Analysis 6.19 safety standards.
• Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Have the heating system professionally inspected by an InterNACHI inspector and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments and when 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.
• 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 un-vented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• 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.
• Do not place generators in the garage or close to the home. People lose power in their homes and get so excited about using their gas-powered generator that they don't pay attention to where it is placed. The owner's manual should explain how far the generator should be from the home.
• Clean the chimney. Open the hatch at the bottom of the chimney to remove the ashes.  Hire a chimney sweep annually.
• Check vents. Regularly inspect your home's external vents to ensure they are not obscured by debris, dirt or snow.

In summary, carbon monoxide is a dangerous poison that can be created by various household appliances. CO detectors must be placed strategically throughout the home or business in order to alert occupants of high levels of the gas.

Envenenamiento con Monóxido de Carbono y Cómo Detectarlo

por Nick Gromicko 

El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas incoloro, inodoro y venenoso, que se genera por la combustión incompleta de los combustibles, como son el gas natural o el gas licuado de petróleo, el petróleo, la madera o el carbón.

Hechos y Cifras

·         480 ciudadanos de U.S.A. fallecieron entre 2001 and 2003 por envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono en eventos no relacionados con el fuego .

·         Las mayores exposiciones al CO ocurre durante los meses invernales, especialmente  en Diciembre (incluyendo 56 muertes, y  2,157 exposiciones no mortales). La hora pico del día para la exposición al CO es entre las 6 y las 10 pm.

·         Muchos expertos consideran que las estadísticas de envenenamiento por CO minimizan el problema. Como los síntomas de envenenamiento con CO se asemejan a otras dolencias de la salud, es probable que un gran número de exposiciones bajas a medias no sean identificadas, diagnosticadas o contabilizadas dentro de las estadísticas del monóxido de carbono.

·         Del total de incidentes de monóxido de carbono no relacionados con incendios, el 89% o casi 9 de cada 10 ocurren en el hogar.

Fisiología del Envenenamiento con Monóxido de Carbono

Al inhalar CO, éste desplaza al Oxígeno que normalmente se uniría a la hemoglobina, provocando un proceso que en la práctica asfixia al organismo. El CO puede envenenar lentamente durante horas, aún a bajas concentraciones. Los órganos más sensibles, como el cerebro, el corazón y los pulmones, son los que más sufren ante la ausencia de oxígeno.

Altas concentraciones de Monóxido de Carbono matan en menos de cinco minutos. A bajas concentraciones, se requerirá un  período más prolongado para afectar al organismo . Si se excede la concentración de  9 partes por millón (ppm) que fija EPA, durante más de ocho horas, esto puede generar afecciones adversas para la salud. El límite de exposición al CO para trabajadores con buena salud ha sido fijado en 50 ppm por la OSHA (Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional de USA).

Posibles Fuentes de Monóxido de Carbono

Cualquier aparato alimentado a combustible que funciona incorrectamente o ha sido mal instalado, puede ser origen del CO, como lo son:

·         hornos;

·         cocinas y estufas;

·         calentadores de agua;

·         secadores; 

·         calefactores fijos y portátiles; 

·         chimeneas y estufas;

·         parrillas a carbón de leña

·         automóviles;

·         chimeneas y conductos obstruídos;

·         calentadores portátiles;

·         herramientas alimentadas a combustible;

·         parrillas a gas o carbón de leña;

·         algunos tipos de calentadores de piscinas; y

·         motores de lanchas.

PPM	% CO en aire	Efectos en Adultos Saludables	Origen/Coemntarios
0	0%	sin efecto; es el nivel normal para un aparato de calefacción  que opera correctamente
35	0.0035%	límite máximo de exposición en el lugar de trabajo en una jornada de ocho horas	Instituto Nacional de Salud y Seguridad Ocupacional (NIOSH)
50	0.005%	límite máximo de exposición en el lugar de trabajo en una jornada de ocho horas	OSHA
100	0.01%	leve dolor de cabeza, fatiga, respiración entrecortada, errores de estimación
125	0.0125%		debe sonar la alarma en el ligar de trabajo (OSHA)
200	0.02%	dolor de cabeza, fatiga, náuseas, mareos
400	0.04%	fuertes Dolores de cabeza, fatiga, náuseas, mareos, confusión;  puede ser amenaza de vida después de tres horas de exposición	evacuar el área inmediatamente
800	0.08%	convulsiones, pérdida de conocimiento, muerte en las primeras tres horas	evacuar el área inmediatamente
12,000	1.2%	muerte casi instantánea

Ubicación del detector de CO

Los detectores de CO  miden niveles de exposición, pero recuerden no ubicarlos:

·         arriba o junto a aparatos alimentados a combustible , ya que estos pueden emitir una pequeña cantidad de monóxido de carbono en encenderlos;

·         a menos de 15 pies ( 5 metr0s) de aparatos de calentamiento o de cocina, o cerca de lugares muy húmedos, como puede ser un baño;

·         a menos de 5 pies (1,5 metros) de hornallas y hornos de cocina, o cerca de lugares donde se almacenen productos  químicos  y lavandinas  (cuando sea posible, guarde estos productos químicos lejos de los baños y cocinas);

·         en garajes, cocinas, cuartos de calderas o en cualquier área que tenga mucha suciedad, humedad o grasitud;

·         al sol directo, o en áreas expuestas a temperaturas extremas. Acá se incluyen los entresuelos, áticos no terminados, techos sin aislación o parcialmente aislados, y porches;

·         en áreas turbulentas cerca de ventiladores de techo, rejillas de calefacción, acondicionadores de aire, retornos de aire fresco, o ventanas abiertas. El aire en movimiento puede impedir que el monóxido de carbono sea detectado por los sensores de CO.

Adónde ubicar los detectores de CO :

·         a menos de 10 pies (3 metros) de cada puerta de una habitación y en casi todos los dormitorios, adonde puede haber sonámbulos. Los Laboratorios Aseguradores (UL) y la Comisión de Seguridad del Producto al Consumidor (CPSC) recomiendan que cada vivienda tenga por lo menos un detector de monóxido de carbono por cada piso, y dentro del rango de audición  de cada dormitorio;

·         en cada piso de su vivienda, incluyendo el sótano ( fuente:  Asociación Internacional de Jefes de Bomberos/IAFC);

·         cerca o sobre cualquier garaje unido a la vivienda. Los detectores de Monóxido de Carbono son afectados por la humedad excesiva y por la proximidad a estufas a gas (fuente:  Ciudad de Nueva York);

·         cerca, pero no directamente arriba de aparatos a combustiona, como hornos, calentadores de agua y chimeneas, y en el garaje (fuente:  UL); y

·         en el cielorraso de la misma habitación adonde hay aparatos a combustión, ubicados en el centro de cada nivel habitable, y en cada zona de los  sistemas de calefacción, refrigeración y ventilación (fuente: Asociación Nacional de Protección contra Incendios NFPA 720). Esta reglamentación aplica a edificios comerciales.

En América del Norte, algunas organizaciones nacionales, estatales y municipalidades locales  exigen la instalación de detectores de CO en viviendas nuevas o existentes, como también en negocios comerciales, entre ellos:  Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont y New York City, y la provincia canadiense de Ontario. Los instaladores deben chequear los requisitos específicos de cada jurisdicción en su municipalidad.

¿Cómo evitar el envenenamiento con CO?

·         Compre e instale los detectores de monóxido de carbono que tengan la etiqueta que confirma el cumplimiento de la nueva norma del UL 2034 o las normas de seguridad del Análisis Comprensivo de Seguridad 6.19. 

·         Asegúrese que los aparatos han sido instalados y son operados según las instrucciones del fabricante y los códigos edilicios locales. Haga que su sistema de calentamiento haya sido inspeccionado profesionalmente por un inspector de InterNACHI y que son revisados anualmente para garantizar su correcta operación. El inspector también debería verificar  taponamientos, corrosión, desconexiones  parciales o totales, y conexiones flojas de las chimeneas y conductos.

·         Nunca opere aparatos a combustible sin tener el conocimiento, las habilidades y herramientas necesarias. Revise siempre el manual del propietario para ajustes menores y operar los paratos a combustión.

·         Nunca opere un generador portátil o cualquier otra herramienta a gasolina dentro o cerca de lugares cerrados, como garajes, casas u otros edificios. Aún con puertas y ventanas abiertas, estos ligares pueden atrapar CO y permitir concentraciones que lleguen a niveles letales.

·         Nunca use el equipamiento portátil de camping a combustible dentro de una casa, garaje, vehículo o carpa a menos que hayan sido diseñados específicamente para uso en lugares cerrados y con instrucciones para el uso seguro en áreas cerradas.

·         Nunca queme carbón de leña dentro de una vivienda, garaje, vehículo o carpa.

·         Nunca deje un vehículo en marcha dentro de un garaje, aún con las puertas del garaje abiertas.

·         Nunca use aparatos a gas, como estufas, hornos o secadores de ropa para calendar su vivienda.

·         Nunca opere aparatos a combustión sin venteo exterior en cualquier habitación adonde puede haber gente durmiendo.

·         Durante las renovaciones de las viviendas, verifique que los venteos de los aparatos y las chimeneas no están tapados. Asegúrese que los aparatos funcionan correctamente al finalizar la renovación.

·         No coloque generadores en el garaje o cerca de la vivienda. Quienes se quedan sin energía eléctrica no prestan atención adonde lo ubican. El manual del dueño debería explicar adónde colocarlos en forma segura.

·         Limpie la chimenea. Abra la compuerta del fondo para retirar la cenizas.  Contrate un deshollinador anualmente.

·         Verifique los venteos. Inspeccione regularmente los venteos de su vivienda para asegurarse que no están tapados con escombros, suciedad o nieve.

En resumen, el monóxido de carbono es un veneno peligroso que puede ser originado por varios aparatos domésticos. Los detectores de CO deben ubicarse estratégicamente en la vivienda o negocio a fin de alertar a los ocupantes ante altos niveles del gas.

Don't Get Tripped Up - Safety Around Your Home: Steps and Stairways

Stairway Inspection

by Nick Gromicko

 

Stairways, due to their inherent dangers, as well as unsafe patterns of use by homeowners, are the sites of a surprising number of injuries. A careful assessment of the risks posed by stairways can prevent unnecessary injuries.

While residents might already be aware of stair abnormalities, their guests may not be prepared for irregular steps or inadequate headroom height, for instance. Prospective buyers, too, are safer hearing about such irregularities from their home inspector rather than learning through experience after they purchase the home. The following is a partial list of defects that may be found in stairways:

• Handrail is loose, incomplete, missing, splintery, not of a contrasting color with its background, or has insufficient finger clearance. As deck stairways may be open on both sides, missing handrails there put occupants at serious risk.
• Treads are cracked, uneven, worn, loose or poorly supported.
• Risers are of uneven height.
• Lighting is poor, shadows are numerous, or the corridor leading to the stairs is dark. It’s helpful to have a light switch installed at the top and bottom of each staircase.
• Floor is waxed, increasing chances of slipping.
• Exterior steps are not sloped to prevent water settlement and icing.
• Stair carpeting slides or is not firmly affixed to stairs. Double-sided tape or tacks may be used to prevent slipping.
• Balusters are spaced more than 4 inches apart, allowing a child to potentially slip through and get trapped.
• Stairs are not ergonomically designed.
• Stairs are too steep.
• Platform or landing surface is not slip-resistant, and/or has a sharp object, blunt wall, or window located in the direction of a possible fall.
• Nosing is missing, broken, worn, patched, loose, slippery, or not installed properly.
• Sharp corners are on stair elements.
• Headroom is insufficient.
• There is no safety gate at the top of stairs in a home with small children.

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Additional tips to reduce the chance of stairway falls include:

• Start a regular exercise program, if you haven’t already. Inactivity leads to weakness, inflexibility, and an increased risk of falling.
• Remove trip hazards, such as clothes, shoes, toys and/or books from stairs and other places where you walk.
• Improve the lighting around the stairs. As you age, you'll need brighter lights to see well. Lampshades or frosted bulbs will reduce glare.
• Senior citizens should wear shoes that provide good support and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid lightweight slippers or shoes with deep treads, as they can reduce your feeling of control.
• Do not carry heavy items up and down stairs, especially if the item blocks your view of the steps. Also, always hold the handrails.
• Install a second handrail for additional support. A second handrail will also provide support for two individuals as they pass each other. 

In summary, stairways can pose a serious safety risk for building occupants, but these risks can be minimized by adequate stair construction and safe practices.

April Showers Bring May Flowers... Be Sure Your Gutters & Downspouts are Ready for the Rain

April's reputation as the cruellest month is probably a little unfair. In fact, it is a great time to check your homes' rain gutters and downspouts to ensure you have proper drainage away from your home.

First, be sure your gutters are clean. Leaves can build up in your gutters which can cause water to leak into your home along your roof under the shingles, at the fascia or soffit boards, or eaves.

Next, check your down spouts to ensure rain water is draining properly --away from the house.

Gardens and planters can pose potential problems for diverting water away from your home's foundation. 

One of the best online resources we've found that shows the problems rain can cause to your home along with currently available solutions is a video produced by NDS Drainage Systems.

NDS Drainage Systems: How to fix your downspout problem

We frequently recommend that our clients install pop-up rainwater drainage systems. Water can be the source of all kinds of trouble for homes: bugs and insects, mold, foundation and basement cracks, and more.

This video highlights the  problems with puddling rainwater and what you can do to remedy the problem.


Please Note: I am an independent, self-employed home inspector. I am neither affiliated with NDS nor do I receive any compensation for this or any of my blog posts. I encourage all of my clients do their due diligence and check out any product or service before making a purchase.  Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed are my own. My blog posts are a value-added service I provide to my clients. Occasionally, I will share my experience with and knowledge of different products that my clients may find useful.

Home Inspections at The Jersey Shore

Finished a home inspection down the shore today in time to check out the beach.

As much as I love the Jersey Shore, it is a rough environment for homes. 

South Jersey's Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean Counties get hit year-round by brutal storms. Strong storm winds and high tides pelt homes with sand and salt water (as a result air conditioning units often have a substantially decreased lifespan). 

Sure, the summer sun may seem serene if you are relaxing on the beach, but it isn't any nicer to the homes in the are --the hot sun combined with the salt air can be equally harsh to decks and roofs.

Routine cleaning and maintenance is even more important for houses at the Jersey Shore.