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14. General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the
blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.
Possible Sources of CO
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in
attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of CO. CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline,
diesel, propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning,
improperly installed, or not ventilated correctly, such as: Furnaces/boilers, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water
heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and certain swimming pool heaters.
Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafting and changes in air pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, or a loose or
cracked furnace heat exchanger can also release CO into your building. Vehicles and other combustion engines running
in an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas grill or hibachi in an enclosed area are all possible sources of CO.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions such as: Wind di-
rection and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods
between cycles), negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans, simultaneous operation of several
fuel-burning appliances competing for limited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers,
furnaces/boilers, or water heaters, obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which can amplify the above
situations, extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.), temperature inversions
which can trap exhaust gases near the ground, car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
CO Safety Tips
Every year, have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician. Always
install appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local building codes. Most appliances
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