Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when there is incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrocarbon fuels include kerosene, heating oil, propane and other fuels commonly used in home heating devices.
Burning fuel produces carbon dioxide and water when there is enough oxygen in the air for complete combustion. In an area with little or no ventilation, burning fuel uses up the oxygen, resulting in incomplete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide also is produced if the burner is dirty or the air and fuel mixing system is out of adjustment or malfunctioning.
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood preventing blood from carrying oxygen to all organs, including the brain. Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning become confused and don’t often realize what is happening before it’s too late.
It’s common for people to use supplemental heat during the winter, especially when fuel prices are high. If you do, ventilate your rooms heated by open flame space heaters and stoves. If no fresh air enters an area with a flame type heater, combustion eventually depletes the oxygen.
Furnaces also can be the cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Defective parts and cracks in the heat exchanger allow combustion gases to enter ducts.
Some furnaces are made with a special vent that directs additional air into the furnace for combustion. Have a service technician or a fuel supplier check the furnace on a regular schedule. At a minimum, have your furnace checked once a year.
If an alarm does detect carbon monoxide, open windows and doors for circulation and exit the area immediately. Call the fire department for additional assistance. If anyone shows signs of confusion, difficulty breathing or altered mental status call the rescue squad.
