Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

Just recently, we were inspecting a home for mold contamination in Lake Worth, Fl. It was the typical 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with an attached garage. During the Mold Inspection, we noticed the smell of gasoline in the hallway next to the attached garage. We immediately informed the homeowner who took us to the garage. In the garage, we noticed they were storing gasoline in the garage, the amount was five, five gallon containers of gas. All were full, but apparently leaking fumes. The homeowner removed the gasoline to an outside storage area for proper venting.

Carbon Monoxide Video

The moral of this story is, if gasoline fumes can enter the house thru the garage entrance door seals, then Carbon Monoxide fumes can also enter the home. You can smell the gasoline, but you cannot smell Carbon Monoxide fumes. You cannot see or smell Carbon Monoxide. It can kill an individual in a short period of time at high levels.

Carbon Monoxide is made whenever any source such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. These products are not hazardous to us unless they are vented into a confined space such as your home. An idling car in the garage is a perfect example. An improperly vented gas powered hot water heater is another example. We have seen many gas powered hot water heaters improperly vented to the outside. If you have one, have a properly trained professional check to make sure it is properly vented.

Every year, hundreds of people die accidentally from CO or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning due to malfunctioning or improperly installed appliances. There are also many more who die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning produced by idling cars in the garage. This is why, all homes should be equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Monitor to prevent this type of problem.

Tips To Stay Alive:

1. Do not idle your car in the Garage, After you start and back-out of your Garage, leave the Garage Door open to allow the Carbon Monoxide from your cars exhaust to dissipate. Do not run a generator in your garage either.

2. Do not use a gas grill, charcoal grill, butane burning stove or any other type of flame burning appliance in your house.

3. Do not use a gas oven or stove in your home unless it is properly vented to the outside. Check your oven right now if you have one. If you do, have a properly trained professional inspect the system. Do not trust your life to anyone who says it is OK to burn a stove or an oven indoors without an exterior exhaust system that comes on when you start the stove or oven to use.

4. Use common sense, if it has a flame, it has to be exhausted to the outside of your home. Install a Carbon Monoxide Monitor in your home.

5. Fireplaces must always be vented to the outside. It is important that the flue be checked to make sure it is drafting properly.

It is important that you have your indoor gas appliances checked once a year to make sure they are functioning properly in a safe manner so as not to cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home. If you have an Attached Garage, be extra cautious with an idling car in the garage. Always air the garage out after entering and leaving the garage with a car or truck. Read and follow the manufacturers' instructions that came with your gas or fuel powered appliances. In an emergency situation, call 911 and seek medical help immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home.

The interesting thing about this article is, the inspection started out as a Mold Inspection and ended up as gasoline intrusion. By the way, they also had Mold in their home. We had to have a Mold Remediation Company come in and do a Mold Remediation Project in their home. If you have any questions, feel free to call us or visit our website. We would also recommend you go to the EPA's Website and read their article on Carbon Monoxide as an addendum to this article.

Remember, Carbon Monoxide Can Kill You Silently.