1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Carbon monoxide (CO)
CARE Informational Meeting
February 10, 2009

2. How Bad is Our Indoor Air ?
The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times as polluted as air on the other side of the window

3. How Bad is Our Indoor Air ?

4. Carbon Dioxide Natural component of exhaled breath.
Not toxic but can asphyxiate by displacing oxygen in a closed space.
Taken up by green plants to form glucose.
It is only a problem in poorly ventilated areas.

5. Indoor Air Quality Inspection Carbon Dioxide Levels
> 800 ppm - inadequate ventilation
ppm - acceptable air exchange
< 600 ppm - preferable in elementary schools

6. Indoor Air Quality – Carbon Dioxide
Indicator of overall indoor air quality
Common problem in schools, offices
Many people in small spaces
Can affect performance
Lower test scores among students

7. Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207

8. Carbon Monoxide - Symptoms
Connects to hemoglobin in the blood making hemoglobin unable to carry oxygen to the brain and other organs.

9. Carbon monoxide - Symptoms
Initial symptoms similar to the flu (but no fever)
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
Get fresh air immediately, and leave the home.
Get medical attention.

10. Carbon monoxide - Prevention
Proper installation, operation, maintenance and inspection of fuel-burning furnaces and appliances.

11. CO Poisoning Prevention
= 222 deaths
New label in 2006

12. CO Poisoning Prevention
Install and test detectors