LOMBARD FIRE DEPARTMENT ILLINOIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM DETECTOR LAW Carbon Monoxide Law Takes effect January 1, 2007 One outside each sleeping area
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Burns with a violet colored flame. Page 2
LOMBARD FIRE DEPARTMENT Where does Carbon Monoxide come from Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source. Page 3
Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flulike symptoms that clear up after leaving the area. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal. CO (Parts Per million) Percent CO in air Symptoms 100 0.01 No symptoms 200 0.02 Mild headache, few 400 0.04 Headache after 1-2 800 0.08 1,000 0.10 Headache after 45 minutes, nausea, collapse, and unconsciousness after 2 hours Dangerous, unconsciousness after 1 hour 1,600 0.16 Headache, dizziness, 3,200 0.32 Headache, dizziness, nausea after 5 min., unconsciousness after 6,400 0.64 Headache, dizziness after 1-2 minutes, unconsciousness after 12,800 1.28 Page 4 Immediate unconsciousness, danger of death in 1 to 3 minutes
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning: 1. Get fresh air immediately. 2. Open windows and doors for more ventilation 3. Turn off any combustion appliances 4. Leave the house. 5. Call your fire department and report your symptoms You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified service person checks them for malfunction. Page 5
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings. Vehicles should not be run in garages except to pull in or out. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. Never operate a gas or kerosene space heater inside the home. Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. Open flues when fireplaces are in use. Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly. Do not idle the car inside garage. Page 6
How and were should I install a CO Alarm? CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall because CO from any source will be well-mixed with the air in the house. Make sure furniture or draperies do not cover up the alarm. Always read the instructions that came with each detector. Every dwelling unit must be equipped with at least one operable carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (Public Act 094-0741) Additional information: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?name=094-0741 www.carbonmonoxidekills.com www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html Page 7
LOMBARD FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE ADMININSTRATION 255 E. WILSON AVE FIRE STATION ONE 50 E. ST. CHARLES ROAD FIRE STATION TWO 2020 S. HIGHLAND AVE. Phone: FIRE ADMININSTRATION 630-620-5738 FIRE STATION ONE 630-620-5736 FIRE STATION TWO 630-620-5734 Fax: 630-620-6889 E-mail: PLUNKETJ@VILLAGEOFLOMBARD.ORG