Measure CO in flue products using an electronic CO analyzer with digital display. Additional steps which help determine the cause of a heating appliance carbon monoxide problem include:. Verify proper combustion using a combustion analyzer with capability to measure carbon monoxide and oxygen content. Determine leakage areas and pressure differences in the structure and vent system using a blower door and micromanometer.
Check for proper gas orifice size. Continuously monitor carbon monoxide concentrations in the structure. Visual inspection of the burner will reveal obvious problems including rust, scale, or soot.
Obvious flame pattern disruptions or improper color indicates a problem with combustion. Unfortunately, visual inspection is NOT sufficient to verify proper combustion.
Conversely, burners producing little carbon monoxide can burn yellow. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating and highly poisonous gas at low concentrations. Because it is not possible to reliably determine if a burner is producing excessive carbon monoxide visually, the use of an electronic carbon monoxide analyzer with digital display is recommended.
Use of an instrument to measure carbon monoxide concentrations outdoors, inside the structure, and in the flue products is critical to insure the heating appliance is operating safely. One cause— insufficient primary air opening.
Flame Color: Yellow Can be either high or low CO, depends on adequate secondary air for complete combustion, no reliable visual method of determining CO production. Burner and combustion chamber design affects the amount of carbon monoxide produced. Methods of reducing carbon monoxide production include providing excess air, increasing burner chamber temperature, and providing a large combustion zone.
Unburned combustion products will continue to be oxidized in a hot combustion chamber with excess air. Unfortunately, excess air, high temperatures, and large combustion zones reduce efficiency and increase costs. Simple actions, such as placing a cold pan on a kitchen stove top burner or blowing air from a fan across an unvented burner can increase carbon monoxide production. Oxidation of the combustion gases stops when the hot gases impinge on the cold pan or are cooled by the air from the fan.
Any carbon monoxide not yet oxidized will be released into the room. Adjustment of the burner affects the amount of CO produced. Insufficient primary burner air increases CO production. Restricted air inlets often produce a noticeable disruption of the flame and a change from blue to yellow.
Another cause of insufficient primary air and incomplete combustion is excess gas flow to the burner. Electrical space heaters pose no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, unlike those that burn fuels, such as kerosene. Do not start or leave cars, trucks, or other vehicles running in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with the outside door open.
Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas, such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is even more important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased. When using a gas-powered generator for electricity, be sure to keep it a safe distance away from the home. Install CO detectors in your home to warn you if CO levels begin to rise.
Key points about carbon monoxide poisoning CO poisoning occurs when you inhale carbon monoxide fumes and prevent the body from using oxygen properly. The most common source is unvented space heaters. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, seizures, chest pain, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.
CO poisoning needs to be treated right away by getting outside to fresh air and calling Prevention of CO poisoning includes using CO detectors and assuring that your fireplace and heaters are working properly. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. When working with solvents at home, use them only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Carefully read the instructions and follow the safety precautions on the label. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
Show references Carbon monoxide poisoning — Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Accessed Feb. Carbon monoxide poisoning — Prevention guidance. Ferri FF. Carbon monoxide poisoning. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa.
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