Village
of Plover Fire Department
CARBON
MONOXIDE
The Fire Department has responded to
many calls for carbon monoxide alarms sounding. Most of these alarms
have been due to malfunction, improper installation, or overly sensitive
alarms. However, we have also found situations where there has been
a build up of carbon monoxide that could have become life threatening
if not detected.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
and tasteless gas that kills over 1,700 people from accidental poisoning
in North America. Over 10,000 others are treated or hospitalized
annually. Carbon Monoxide is the number one source of accidental
poisoning. It is produced through incomplete combustion of fuels
such as natural gas, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, coal, and wood.
This generally is due to improperly adjusted burners or poorly vantilated
flues. Another common cause of carbon monoxide is running a car
inside of an attached garage.
Very small amounts of carbon monoxide
over a long period of time, or large concentrations over a short
period can cause illness and/or death. Symptoms may include; headaches,
dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. In many cases,
these symptoms are confused with the flu. Two questions may help
you to distinguish the difference: 1) Are other members of the household
experiencing symptoms? 2) Do you feel better when you are away from
home?
The Fire Department recommends the
installation of carbon monoxide detectors. These should be mounted
according to the manufacturer's recommendation which, as a rule
of thumb, is in the same areas as your smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide
alarms and smoke detectors should be tested monthly to ensure they
are in proper working order.
If an alarm sounds, use your family's
exit plans to leave the house and account for all family members.
Call 911 and inform the dispatcher of the problem, and if
your family is experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above.
The Fire Department will respond and use their highly sensitive
instruments to help determine the problem, and advise you on a safe
way to correct the situation.
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
EXPOSURE LIMITS
|
PPM
|
TIME
|
COMMENTS
|
| 35-50 |
8 hours |
The maximum allowable
concentration for continuous exposure in any 8-hour period,
according to OSHA |
| 200 |
2-3 hours |
Headache (mild)
|
| 800 |
45 minutes |
Headache (mild) |
| 3200 |
10-15 minutes |
Dizziness |
| 3200 |
30 minutes |
Death |
| 6900 |
1-2 minutes |
Dizziness |
| 6900 |
10-15 minutes |
Death |
| 6000-8000 |
5 minutes |
Incapacitation |
| 12,800 |
2-3 breaths |
Unconsciousness |
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