1 Mansel Nelson, ITEP–EEOP

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3 Safety Perform regular maintenance Avoid installing unvented (or "vent-free”) heating appliances Consider using only sealed-combustion, induced draft, or power-vented furnaces, boilers, and water heaters For gas range, use properly sized range hood fan After installation of combustion and/or ventilation equipment, test for proper functioning Vent clothes dryers to outside Install a carbon monoxide alarm (state law)

4 Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced during any combustion You CAN’T See it Smell it, or Taste it… CO increases if combustion is deprived of O2

5 Combustion-Appliance Backdrafting Depressurization Exhaust vents Wind Pulls air back down chimney or flue ip-backdrafting.html

6 CO Levels (General Guidelines) 0-9 ppm No significant health risk ppm Exposure – chronic: headaches, nausea, tired Most Detectors Start Alarming ppm Exposure hours: flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea ppm Exposure - 1 hour: dizziness, fatigue, vomiting ppm Exposure – Minutes: unconsciousness, brain damage, DEATH

7 How CO attacks…  Red blood cells prefer CO to oxygen  If enough CO in air, CO replaces oxygen in blood  Blocks oxygen from getting into body, damaging tissues and potentially causing death

8 Common Sources of CO Blocked flue, chimney, vent pipes Rusted/cracked furnace heat exchanger Idling engine in attached garage Back-drafting, spillage Mal-adjusted fuel-fired space heater Unvented use of BBQ/charcoal indoors Gas stoves and ranges, water heaters Outdoor combustion exhaust near door/vent/window

9 Particulate Matter (PM) Eye, nose, throat, lung irritation Bronchitis, allergies, asthma, respiratory and ear infections, cardiovascular conditions… Sooting from appliances Ghosting on walls/ceiling What is adhered-to particle?

10 Summary – Burning Practices Best-burn practices are inexpensive and sustainable strategies Education, outreach, and training are critical