What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and toxic gas. Breathing too much CO deprives the body of oxygen and can cause physical impairment and even death by asphyxiation.
Carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete combustion of wood, fuel oil, propane, gasoline, kerosene or natural gas.
When heating equipment and appliances are properly installed, maintained
and used, they produce little CO. However, when there is insufficient air
to support complete combustion, carbon monoxide may be produced instead
of carbon dioxide.
Symptoms of CO poisoning and actions to take
A person exposed to carbon monoxide may exhibit flu-like symptoms:
Dizziness - Headache - Nausea - Fatigue - Tightness in the chest
if CO poisoning is suspected, move the victim into fresh air if possible.
Open doors and windows to improve ventilation. Call for medical assistance
if the symptoms are severe or if they persist. Give artificial respiration
if breathing has stopped. Keep the victim warm.
How to prevent CO poisoning
Make sure that all vents and chimneys are installed properly and inspected regularly for improper connections, visible rust or stains. Keep chimneys and vents free of debris, such as leaves, creosote and bird and squirrel nests. Make sure that heating equipment and appliances are installed correctly and maintained regularly. Look out for problems that could signal improper appliance operation:
- A burning or unfamiliar odor.
- The furnace runs constantly or is unable to heat the house. Moisture inside of windows.Sooting.
Take the following precautions:
-Never burn a charcoal or wood grill indoors or in a garage.
-Never sit in a parked car with the engine running and the windows closed.*
-Never operate a car in an enclosed area, such as a garage.*
-Never operate kerosene or propane heaters indoors without proper venting.
-Never use the gas range or oven
for home heating.
Vehicle exhaust is responsible for
more than half of the unintentional CO deaths each year.*
If you suspect CO ...
If you suspect your heating equipment or appliances are emitting carbon monoxide, call the appropriate utility or repair service immediately. Here is how to contact Northwest Natural Gas:
Portland 226-4211 or 800-422-4012
Albany 926-4253 or 800-231-2986
Astoria 325-1632 or 800-826-7724
Eugene 342-3661
Lincoln City 994-2111 or 800-831-9194
Salem 585-6611 or 800-523-7661
The Dalles 296-2229 or 800-826-7725
Vancouver 693-2511 or 800-233-3111
If you choose to purchase a CO detector, it is recommended that the unit is certified to meet the Underwriter's Laboratory Standard 2034.
Northwest Natural Gas Company
07/96 Plublished by Corporate Communications
This information is from an Northwest Natural Gas flyer.