Information on the Importance of Testing for Carbon Monoxide.
The Problem
I have been a mold inspector and general indoor air quality consultant since 2004. During my inspections I find that many people are focused on hidden mold as if it is the only cause of air quality problems. However, I find that many people ignore the dangers of deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Risk Factors
If you answer yes to any of the following then you to might be a victim of carbon monoxide exposure:
-Are gas appliances ever in use at the property?
-Have you noticed any health complaints that appear to have a direct correlation to time spent cooking, or heating, or being in the property while any combustion devices may be in operation?
-Do you warm up automobiles in an attached garage?
-Is your AC unit installed in an area where your car engine may run for an extended time?
-Is your AC unit installed in an area where combustion devices are installed?
-Are gas appliances, or gas appliance vents in your home weathered, cracked, or rusty?
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide levels at your property may become elevated if any of the above apply to you. It is recommended that everyone with an attached garage and everyone with gas appliances obtain a carbon monoxide detector. Also, it is very important to have your property tested for carbon monoxide by a professional consultant trained and experienced in carbon monoxide detection. Try calling your local utilities company. If levels are deemed high enough by your investigator, then emergency measures such as immediate evacuation may be deemed necessary by your investigator.
Even if slightly elevated, further investigation by a qualified, licensed, specialist is recommended and appropriate repairs or other measures may be needed.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous indoor air quality problems. It kills 1500 and injures 10,000 people a year in the US alone.
Other Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
At low concentrations, the health effects are fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in persons with heart disease. At higher concentrations, it causes many symptoms. Common symptoms include: impaired vision, coordination problems, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. It can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Carbon monoxide is fatal at very high concentrations. Carbon monoxide testing can save a life.
The leading cause of deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in homes is automobile exhaust escaping from garages. However, improper combustion of fuel in gas appliances is also a common source. Improper ventilation of combustion gases to the exterior, and cracked heat exchangers are also very common sources of carbon monoxide exposure.
Basic Information on Carbon Monoxide Levels
Average levels in homes without gas stoves 0.5 to 5 ppm.
Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are 5 to 15 ppm.
Near poorly adjusted stoves 30 ppm or higher.
Carbon Monoxide Meters Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Other Testing Equipment
Stationary detectors are typically for instillation in the home and in buildings.
Handheld meters and other portable testing equipment for Co are often used by professional consultants. Handheld units are often more mobile because they are used to test the air in many different properties. In the hands of a homeowner who knows how to use them properly, hand held meters may save lives.
When buying a meter online be sure that is for carbon monoxide (sometimes abbreviated C0 meter.)
Be sure it is not a carbon dioxide meter (sometimes abbreviated C02 meter.)
Be sure it is a good quality Co meter, read reviews and do research.
Test Under the Correct Conditions and At the Correct Times.
If carbon monoxide is tested for when carbon monoxide is not being produced, then a serious life-threatening problem may be present but may not be missed.
If carbon monoxide is tested for when gas appliances are not in use, then a serious life-threatening problem may be present but may be missed.
Carbon monoxide production must be occurring at the time of testing in order to achieve proper testing results. For example, if your gas appliance releases potentially deadly co gas when it is turned on, but you test when it is not on, you may miss a serious problem.
The above information is from A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc. And from the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html Also visit carbonmonoxidekills.com
For inspections or testing in South East Florida Call:
1-888-381-6651