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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2004
Release # 05-017
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CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles (301) 504-7052, or Eric Criss (301) 504-7908
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Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home
CPSC Urges Annual Furnace Inspection to Prevent CO Deaths
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the weather turns colder, consumers need to be
aware of an invisible killer that can seep through the home, causing
serious injury or death. In Benton Harbor, Mich., three family members
were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a
malfunctioning furnace or gas water heater. In Salt Lake City, Utah, a
man was hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after the furnace in
his condominium malfunctioned. These incidents are not old news; they
occurred just last month.
To help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings, the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to have a professional
inspection of all fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces,
boilers, fireplaces, water heaters, space heaters, chimneys, flues, and
vents.
“Each year, CO poisoning from heating systems, water heaters, and
ranges and ovens kills about 80 people in the U.S.,” said CPSC Chairman
Hal Stratton. “Many of these tragedies could be prevented by having a
professional check these appliances annually for proper operation and CO
leaks.”
CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by burning
fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene, coal, or wood.
Properly installed and operating fuel-burning appliances pose minimal CO
hazards. However, under certain conditions, all appliances that burn
fuels can leak deadly levels of CO into the home. The initial symptoms
of CO poisoning are similar to flu (but without the fever) and include
headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposure
to high levels of CO can cause death.
CPSC recommends that the yearly professional inspection include
checking chimneys, flues and vents for leakage, blockage by debris, and
to make sure they are not loose or disconnected. Birds, other animals
and insects can build nests in vents over spring and summer, resulting
in blockages that cause deadly exhaust to enter the home. The inspector
should also check appliance operation to ensure proper fuel input rate,
gas pressure, and operating temperatures.
In addition, the inspector should check appliances for gas leaks
and adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help
carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and fresh air is
necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel. Never block
ventilation air openings and check the appliance filter to ensure it is
clean. Make sure the appliance is operating on the fuel that it is
designed to use. To convert an appliance to burn propane, hire a
professional to do the modification.
“CPSC recommends that every home have a CO alarm in the hallway
near bedrooms in each sleeping area,” said Chairman Stratton. “A CO
alarm can wake you up and give you time to save your family.” The CO
alarm should meet one of these standards: Canadian Standards Association
6.19-01, 2001; Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 2034, Second Edition,
October 1998; or the International Approval Services 6-96, Second
Edition, June 1, 1998. Check batteries monthly and replace them
annually.
CPSC worked with the furnace and boiler industry and the
manufacturers of high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) pipes to conduct a
vent pipe recall program. The program's purpose is to replace, free, an
estimated 250,000 HTPV pipe systems attached to gas or propane furnaces
or boilers in consumers' homes. The HTPV pipes could crack or separate
at the joints and leak CO. Consumers should call the HTPV pipe recall
Hotline toll-free at (800) 758-3688, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET,
seven days a week, to verify whether their appliance venting systems
are subject to this program.
CPSC staff continues to work with the furnace industry and other
interested parties to develop new technologies to address the hazards of
CO poisoning and fire. Results include a furnace voluntary standard that
includes requirements for blocked-vent shut-off devices to protect
against blocked vent pipes and chimneys, and vented heater requirements
to guard against a vent pipe becoming separated from the furnace. Both
conditions could lead to CO poisonings. Although improvements have been
made in modern furnaces, they do not protect against all conditions that
can lead to CO exposure. All gas-fired furnaces manufactured since 1987
have flame roll-out protection technology that prevents flames from
spilling out of the furnace's combustion chamber and starting a fire.
Consumers should never use gasoline-powered generators or charcoal
grills indoors or in attached garages because of the risk of CO
poisoning: opening doors and windows or operating fans cannot supply
adequate ventilation and can be deadly. Use a generator outside in a
dry area away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come
indoors. Even with a CO alarm, NEVER use a gasoline-powered generator
or a charcoal grill inside.
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