Carbon Monoxide
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.6 million people will die every year as a result of indoor air pollution. In fourth place as the leading cause of death in third world countries is indoor air pollution.
According to the WHO, the indoor smoke from biomass fires kills three people every minute. If you believe you’re safe because you’re not in a third world country, you’ll be disappointed to learn that having an indoor garage, a wood burning stove, fireplace, or gas stove may have similar effects on your health. Fuel burning devices must be well maintained and vented.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be quite harmful, even at low levels. Carbon monoxide is a non- irritant, so inhalation often goes unnoticed. Carbon monoxide is created as a result of incomplete combustion of natural gas, propane, gasoline, coal, wood and oil.
The impact of carbon monoxide begins before people become aware of its presence. What happens is that this gas builds up in the blood stream, producing carboxyhemoglobin that hinders blood’s ability to transmit oxygen to the rest of the body. At low levels, carbon monoxide causes headache, drowsiness and impairs lung and motor functions. Symptoms associated with repeated low -level exposures include: vertigo, chest pains, extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, flu-like symptoms and difficulty concentrating. Repeated exposure to this gas can cause heart damage, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like anemia or heart disease) are at greater risk of coma, and even death.
In developing countries, WHO estimates that 50 percent of carbon monoxide related deaths are children. Because their bodies are still in the process of development, children take more breaths that adults. Their bodies are more susceptible to air pollutants, and toxins remain in their fragile systems for longer periods of time. Additionally, exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy may result in toxic accumulations in the fetus, which may cause death.
Sources of exposure include:
· Tobacco (cigarette and cigar) smoke
· Furnaces, gas stoves, water heaters and fireplaces
· Cars that are left idling in attached garages
· Space heaters, grills and barbecues
To prevent exposure to carbon monoxide:
1. Be sure that flues, chimneys, furnaces and water heaters are checked regularly (at least once a year) for blockages and corrosion.
2. Keep barbecues and grills outdoors and away from windows and doors.
3. Kerosene lamps are a big no-no, unless they’re deigned for indoor purposes.
4. Do not smoke indoors, and don’t allow others to smoke in your home either.
5. Try to keep windows open when using your fireplace or woodstove.
6. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a must when trying to maintain good health and a healthy family. There are numerous indoor air pollutants in the ambient air of your home. I intend to expose them all.
