The Threat Of Carbon Monoxide Colorless Odorless Toxic Exhaust In Your House

Posted by Anna Morrison on November 18, 2010
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A lot of people are not familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide because this toxic gas is impossible to see, feel or smell. Carbon monoxide is the most prevalent cause of poisoning deaths in the United States but mold and mildew are more widely known because they are unpleasant to the eyes and can cause respiratory and other allergic reactions. They can also be seen.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless but potentially lethal gas that can come from many devices that we use at home. Cars and other engines that uses petrol based fuels are the source commonly known to many people. But this toxic gas can actually come from any heating devices at home that produces heat by burning fuel. The heating system, gas and wood stove, and the boiler are just some of such household appliances. Carbon monoxide can seep from any of these domestic devices or some opening in their exhaust plumbing. Because of this, the Better Business Bureau or BBB recommends doing maintenance work on these devices at least once a year or every so often.

Household heating appliances can leak these deadly fumes either directly from the device or from breaks in the exhaust plumbing connections. The Better Business Bureau recently recommended annual maintenance checks on these heating devices to include the intake and exhaust plumbing.

Carbon monoxide is more harmful to humans than we are aware of. Without proper ventilation, it can collect indoors and cause serious harm. Big concentrations can cause death in a short time especially when the seepage happens during the night when the victims are sleeping. Breathing carbon monoxide fumes stimulate sleep and the victims can die without even knowing that there was a leak.

The recent surge in the number of carbon monoxide poisoning accidents can be attributed to improper ventilation inside most homes. Homeowners use insulation materials and keep the windows shut most of the time to preserve indoor temperature. While this practice can save a lot in utility cost, this set up is disastrous in case of carbon monoxide seepage. Without proper ventilation, the deadly gas can collect indoors and cause some severe health risks.

If you are also planning to install a smoke detector, there are models that combine a gas detector and a smoke detector in a single unit. There are also types that can detect not only carbon dioxide but also liquefied gas and other possible gasses. The kitchen is the best place to install these types of unit.

It is better to set things properly right from the start. The indoor air quality of can be greatly enhanced by including an air filtration system and roof ventilation in your plan when building a new home or doing major home repairs. Engaging the services of an HVAC and a roofing contractor to ensure proper fitting of these projects is recommended by the BBB.

The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is present in every home and the health and safety of your family should not be put at risk. Your choice should depend on the kind of protection that you need. In most cases, what is needed is a combination of several carbon monoxide detectors. A simple gel that changes color when exposed to carbon dioxide may be enough on less frequented areas for example. On the other hand, a detector with built in smoke detector and has the capability to identify other gases in addition to carbon monoxide is more appropriate for the kitchen. The BBB receives and investigates consumer complaints about substandard detectors.

Learn more about Tom Gillece Plumbing and the risk of carbon monoxide colorless odorless toxic gas in your domicile.

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