Carbon Monoxide and Detectors - Cle Elum and Leavenworth Home Inspection

In Washington State Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors were required in all new construction effective January 1, 2011. But did you know that they will be required in all existing buildings by January 1, 2013. They should be placed outside of each sleeping area.

The state also requires that any homes sold after July 26, 2009 the seller is required to install a CO Alarm before the home can be legally occupied.

Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of burning fuels such as gas appliances and fireplaces. If the burning process is not complete these items can even produce more carbon monoxide.

You may think to yourself I do not have any gas appliances or fireplace and the like. But another likely source of Carbon Monoxide is your attached garage where you could have your car running or using a generator during a power outage.

So for homes that has a fuel fired appliance or an attached garage you will be required to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission concludes that on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products.

These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

In 2005 alone, CPSC staff was aware of at least 94 generator-related CO poisoning deaths. Forty-seven of these deaths were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather. Still others die from CO produced by non-consumer products, such as cars left running in attached garages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports estimate that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide's real danger is its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Even small amounts breathed in quickly bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen. Carbon monoxide in the air rapidly accumulates in the blood, forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The result is an increased heart rate as your heart tries to get more oxygen to your brain and other vital organs.

Symptoms of CO poisoning: dizziness, confusion, nausea or fainting.

Acute CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms that include; mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death

If you suspect you have carbon monoxide poisoning get fresh air immediately (open the windows or doors or go outside). You should then go to the hospital and tell them that you may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remember a CO Detector is a very inexpensive insurance policy for you and your family.

Carbon Monoxide and Detectors-Cle Elum and Leavenworth Home Inspection

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