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newsrel -- Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer

Posted: 16 Dec 2014 15:26:13
Please consider the following news release from the California
Air Resources Board: http://bit.ly/1yWLqHV
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2014

NEWS RELEASE 14-91

CONTACT:

Franceska Ramos
(916) 322-2990
franceska.ramos@arb.ca.gov


Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer

Replace batteries annually in carbon monoxide alarms and
detectors

SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) urges
residents to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by having a
carbon monoxide detection device installed and replacing
batteries annually for those devices that are operated by
batteries. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and having a
working carbon monoxide detector is a small investment that can
help save lives. 

Californians are also urged to have gas appliances inspected
annually to ensure they are working properly. More than half of
all carbon monoxide poisoning deaths result from malfunctioning
or improperly vented gas appliances in homes. The others come
from a variety of combustion sources including: charcoal grills,
automobile exhausts, space heaters, generators and fireplaces.

The State of California requires by law that every home in
California with an attached garage or fossil fuel source
appliance have an operational carbon-monoxide detector or alarm
installed. Beginning in 2015, California law also requires
community care facilities, including residential care facilities
for the elderly and infirm, and public and family day care
centers, to have at least one functioning carbon monoxide
detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning can strike wherever
combustion occurs in enclosed areas, including: homes,
recreational vehicles, cabins, tents and houseboats. Vigilance is
the key to avoiding tragedy.

“Carbon monoxide deaths are preventable,” said ARB Chairman Mary
D. Nichols. “Having the required alarms working properly and your
gas appliances inspected are simple steps that will protect you
and your family.”

Accidental deaths occur each year from carbon monoxide poisoning
and several hundred Californians go to emergency rooms due to
non-lethal exposures. Warning signs of exposure include headache,
drowsiness, nausea and inability to concentrate; any person
experiencing these symptoms should be immediately moved to a
location with fresh air and be seen by a doctor in case treatment
is needed.

Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to
body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain.
It is especially dangerous for young children and individuals
with heart disease, so it is crucial that people take
preventative measures such as having a properly working carbon
monoxide detector.

ARB recommends the following:

*Properly use and maintain appliances that produce a flame such
as gas stoves, ovens, furnaces and heaters.
*Never use gas ovens to heat the home.
*Never use kerosene and propane space heaters, charcoal grills,
barbecues, or unvented gas logs indoors.
*Use caution when heating with propane appliances, older wall or
floor gas furnaces and fireplaces.
*Obtain annual check-ups of all gas appliances by a qualified
professional.
*Use State Fire Marshal approved carbon monoxide detectors that
sound an alarm.
*Place emergency generators outdoors away from windows and doors
to prevent fumes from entering the home.
*Be especially careful with appliances in recreational vehicles,
cabins and houseboats, and use carbon monoxide detectors
specifically made for these locations.


In addition, do not operate cars or other internal combustion
engines in enclosed spaces or attached garages. Carbon monoxide
poisoning deaths are often the result of accidental exposure from
vehicles running in closed garages.

ARB data show that outdoor carbon monoxide levels rise throughout
California between the months of November and March because of
periodic stagnant weather conditions when there is no wind or
breezes which would disperse the pollutant. These elevated levels
have been measured in covered garages and at busy intersections.


For more information on indoor combustion pollutants and indoor
air quality guidelines, visit
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/combustion.htm

For additional information on carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide
detectors, visit:
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_carbonmonoxide.php

For a list of State Fire Marshal approved carbon monoxide
detectors, visit:
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/bml/List_CSFM_Approved.pdf


For information on California Building and Residential Codes,
visit: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/shl/infobulls/IB2011-01.pdf  
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/mhp/IB2012-03.pdf 

To request or schedule an inspection of your gas appliances –
which may be free of cost – contact your local gas company.
PG&E: 1-800-743-5000 www.pge.com
Southern California Gas and Electric Company: 1-800-427-2200
www.socalgas.com 
San Diego Gas and Electric Company: 1-800-411-7343 www.sdge.com

Carbon monoxide infographic:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/images/2014/co_english.jpg
Carbon monoxide video: http://youtu.be/FRn_sONIrRI


California is in a drought emergency.
Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.

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