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What Is Carbon Monoxide?

CO Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Fifteen hundred people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention. (Medical experts agree that it’s difficult to estimate the total number of carbon monoxide incidents because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble so many other common ailments.)

Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel.

During normal combustion, each atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen – forming a harmless gas called carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure complete combustion of the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom of oxygen – forming carbon monoxide gas.

What Is The Danger?

Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. In our lungs, CO quickly passes into our bloodstream and attaches itself to hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells). Hemoglobin readily accepts carbon monoxide – even over the life giving oxygen atoms (as much as 200 times as readily as oxygen) forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).

By replacing oxygen with carbon monoxide in our blood, our bodies poison themselves by cutting off the needed oxygen to our organs and cells, causing various amounts of damage – depending on exposure.

Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning (with COHb levels of 10%) result in symptoms commonly mistaken for common flu and cold symptoms – shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches, nausea.

With higher levels of poisoning (COHb levels of 30%) the symptoms become more severe – dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, fainting on mild exertion.

At high levels (CHOb of 50% or more), there may be unconsciousness and death.

How Does CO Enter The Home?

Carbon monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water heater, fireplace, woodstove, or space heater.

Any of these things can be very dangerous:

A faulty furnace, maybe from mechanical failure
A clogged fireplace from a bird’s nest resting on top
Water heaters, perhaps damaged in a flood
A gas stove in your kitchen
A faulty space heater
A gas dryer that’s not properly installed
A grill used inside a garage during winter
A car in the garage

Most newer homes are built very air-tight, thus cutting down on the supply of fresh air to your furnace – and creating an oxygen starved flame. Tight closing replacement windows and doors, as well as additional insulation can cause similar problems in older homes.

Carbon monoxide can spill from vent connections in poorly maintained or blocked chimneys. If the flue liner is cracked or deteriorated, CO can seep through the liner and into the house – slowly creeping up to dangerous levels. If a nest or other materials restrict or block the flue, CO will mostly spill back into the house.

Improperly sized flues connected to new high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters can also contribute to CO spillage. (Many new furnaces and water heaters are installed using the existing chimneys which may be the wrong size to allow the furnace to vent properly.)

Warming up vehicles in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can allow concentrated amounts of CO to enter your home through the car port door or near-by windows. Wind can also blow fumes back into the garage, and temperature differences between the indoors and outside can move CO back into your house or garage.

What To Do In A CO emergency

If you are suffering from chronic flu-like symptoms, see your doctor and ask her if it could be a low-level CO poisoning.

If you have a CO detector, and it alarms, open windows and ventilate your home with fresh air, have your heating system checked by a professional.

If your alarm sounds and you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, leave the house and call 911 from your neighbors’ home. You may need medical attention for CO poisoning.

Home inspection can help

Having your home inspected each year at the beginning of the heating season can help avoid deadly carbon monoxide gas from leaking into your home, according to Chairman Ann Brown of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

CO poisoning from the use of fuel burning appliances kills at least 200 people each year and sends more than 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Consumers can avoid this by having their fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician each year, and by purchasing and installing CO detectors.

Modern heating equipment is sophisticated and requires special training and tools for proper maintenance; consumers should not service their own appliances, but instead have a qualified professional perform an inspection.

A yearly inspection of your home by a professional should include a careful look at the following sources of carbon monoxide:

Furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves. If they burn natural gas, heating oil, wood or other kinds of fuel, these appliances are potential sources of CO.
Chimneys, flues and vents. Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and for blockage by creosote or debris. Creosote buildup or leakage could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house. Have all vents to furnaces, water heaters or boilers checked to make sure they are not loose or disconnected.
High Temperature Plastic Venting (HTPV) pipes, which are used in mid-efficiency appliances, may separate or crack. This could allow CO from the furnace to enter a home. Homeowners with a gas-fired mid-efficiency furnace or boiler installed between 1987 and 1993 should have them inspected for cracking or separating.
Improper ventilation. Make sure that your appliances have adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel.
Finally, consumers should be aware that charcoal grills can also be a potential source of CO. Never use charcoal grills in enclosed spaces such as a home, garage, vehicle or tent, and never bring grills with live coals indoors after use. Never use charcoal grills as an indoor heat source.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly threat, but it can be avoided by having a yearly professional inspection of your home fuel burning appliances and by installing a CO detector that meets the most recent UL standards.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If you wish to purchase a Carbon Monoxide Alarm or Detector then visit http://www.co-awareness.com

Products include – Honeywell Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms

There are several things to consider when thinking about starting a home based business. The first being whether or not you are motivated enough to work without being told what to do or how to do it. A successful home based business entrepreneur is a self starter who enjoys personal success. Small business owners work well independently, thrive on challenges, and do not fear learning new things or bringing their unique ideas to others.

The good news for all of the clean-tech entrepreneurs is the added boost that the U.S. Government is placing in the ACESA stimulus legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 has a few main parts or provisions; all of which lead many people who wish to start a small business straight in the direction of solar energy.

1. A clean energy section that promotes renewable sources of energy; such as residential and commercial solar energy on a very large scale.

2. An energy efficiency section that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry.

3. A global warming provision that places restrictions on the carbon equivalent emissions and other environmentally damaging pollutants.

4. A transitional program that protects U.S. job seekers, consumers, businesses in these tough economical times with training, career adjustment, and transitioning support.

5. A very large program that promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean solar energy economy.

Having a home based solar energy business is work. Even with large incentives and the backing of the government, industry, and most citizens, you must still do the work in order to enjoy success. If you are the type who is self directed and motivated then the next consideration is what will you do? Consider what you are passionate about. What gets you excited enough to want to share it with others?

Use this information to create an ideal home based solar energy business.

Do some Internet searches or talk to other small business owners related to home based work that they made into a successful business and see if you might want to do the same. A clean-energy entrepreneur can create a operational statement for the way and type of solar energy business the wish to operate. This will be the bases for the services they can offer. Ask yourself the question “what will set my home based solar energy business apart from others?” Then write out a small business plan.

If you know that starting a home based solar energy business is right for you, then your next step is educating yourself about the requirements that govern home based businesses locally within your state, county and also with the US government and IRS. After completing due diligence, as a person should for any type of business consideration, decide if they possess the financial capital to get the business started. Fortunately, many new solar energy opportunities really do not take any investment (other than marketing costs) to get started. A person can just plug into a larger system. The landscape is change in a great way towards renewable, solar energy. This provides unparalleled opportunity for businesses as it relates to the U.S. Government’s interest in fast-tracking our transition to a clean energy environment.

United States Green Jobs: Worker Transition to Solar Energy Industry

The latest draft legislation related to an economic stimulus, a plan to address climate change, and a strategy to move into a renewable energy environment includes several provisions to promote solar energy jobs. One section authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to universities and colleges to develop curriculum and training programs that prepare students for careers in renewable solar energy, energy efficiency, and other forms of climate change mitigation. Under another section, the Secretary of Labor is authorized to carry out such training programs.

There are good opportunities out there that do not require an upfront investment. Emerging technology in renewable energy is creating what are called green collar jobs. Solar energy is now a viable business opportunity for the home based business owner. The outlook for renewable energy in 2009-2010 is very bright.

In fact renewable energy is in the forefront of business opportunities right now. For those who are passionate about saving money, going green and creating a home based business, a solar energy business is a golden opportunity.

The solar energy market is a largely untapped sector of the business and renewable energy industry. Home based business owner’s need this type of information and the support the U.S. Government is showing to really kick start exciting new career options for many U.S. citizens.

It is the win-win business of 2009 because everyone benefits from a solar energy business.

This heating season, you probably want to save money on your energy use. This is especially true during this winter’s cold snap that has affected much of the country as far south as Miami and Houston. But that might not be the only reason. You might find that your home’s HVAC system is always running hard but can’t adequately heat your home. Or some rooms in your house seem cooler or hotter than others. Maybe you noticed a mold or mildew problem in a room other than your bathroom. Perhaps your water heater can’t keep up with demand. You can fix these problems by starting with a home energy audit.

How does a home energy audit work?

An energy audit looks at several specific features of your home. First, it lists the characteristics of your home’s thermal envelope: walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and skylights. Each of these features has a specific R-value, which is a measurement of the resistance to heat flow. The higher the resistance (or R-value), the better the insulative quality. Another factor is the leakage rate or how much outside air infiltrates into your home. Drafty doors and windows are the primary culprits here, however, other features of your home’s construction, age, orientation to the sun, and physical condition will have an effect. A third area to look at is your home’s mechanical system – the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) as well as the heating water.

Energy Star provides a Home Energy Yardstick website so you can compare your household’s energy use to the rest of the country. The site is a good place to start and gives some basic recommendations about making home energy efficiency improvements.

Generally, performing your own energy audit will help you discover most of the major energy usage problems in your house. For example, locating and sealing air leaks will help you save money and make your home more comfortable. An easy way is to wet your hand and then feel for drafts around:

Electrical outlets Switch plates Window frames Baseboards Weather stripping around doors Fireplace dampers Attic hatches Wall or window-mounted air conditioners.

Look and feel for gaps where pipes and wires enter a wall. Also check where your floor meets the foundation. And don’t forget mail slots. Check to see if caulking and weather stripping are applied properly and in good condition.

Every house and lifestyle, is different. It’s safe to say that climate and location are primary factors in how your home performs. The other major factor is how you use energy in your home. When combined with information about local weather, the home’s thermostat settings, as well as energy bills for a 12 month period (24 is more accurate), an energy audit can render a more accurate picture of how your home uses energy.

Unless you already have a few years experience of belly-crawling the dusty, cramped spaces of your home to weather-seal it, you should consider having a professional visit and perform an energy audit. Now you might think all an energy auditor does is seal a fan onto your front door and then prowl your house looking for drafts. Sure, they might perform this test, but not only do you get the benefit of their years of training and experience, you also gain from a fresh perspective.

Professionals can often see things you have overlooked that can help you save on your energy costs and be more energy efficient. For example, a slight discoloration along a corner of your living room wall might indicate an unsealed gap in your home’s framing that lets in cold air and moisture. This and other hidden heat loss can also be detected with heat-sensitive cameras, a tool most homeowners don’t own.

A qualified energy auditor can also give you an informed choice of options. Some fixes might just require a tube of .00 caulk to save you 0.00 in energy costs. Some fixes might be more expensive but can be done over time. An energy auditor can make recommendations for improvements and solutions based on what they learn about your living habits, needs, and budget. This can include efficient low-wattage lighting fixtures, getting the best insulation for your buck, as well was Energy Star rated appliances and upgrades so you can take advantage of both Federal and State rebate offers.

Remember, not only will an energy audit show you where to start saving money to heat your home this winter but it will identify cooling problems that cost you during the hot summer months. But whether or not you decide to do it yourself or consult a professional, you should do it as soon as possible so you can identify your home’s problems and develop a plan of action. After all, making your home energy efficient not only saves money, energy, and natural resources, it also makes your home more comfortable and enjoyable for you and your family.

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Families living in big states with big cities like California and Texas often worry about the negative effects air pollution will have on the health of not only themselves but their loved ones. Many laws have been passed, and rules and regulations put into effect to help control air pollution in big cities like Houston and Los Angeles, but the truth is that pollutant levels can still be quite toxic. Many concerned citizens have made the switch to hybrid cars, written letters, signed petitions and eliminated the use of pesticides amongst other important measures, but air pollution is still a daily concern. What most people don’t realize is that air pollution is also a dangerous home security concern. In fact, indoor air has been shown to contain higher concentrations of hazardous pollutants than outdoor air in many cases. How can this be? There are several contributing factors that most families never think of.

In areas like California and Texas, keeping the heat out and the cool air or air conditioning in is a prime concern most of the year. Today, most homes are built with this in mind and features like storm windows, insulation, caulk, weather-stripping, and more are meant to keep every bit of cool air from seeping out. The downside is that natural ventilation is severely limited and the result can be a toxic level of pollutant buildup in the air. Not to mention, running an air conditioning unit, or especially a heating unit which uses kerosene, gas, wood or coal can fill the air with even more toxins. While families may feel more comfortable with the cooler temperature, they are creating a hazard which can lead to immediate symptoms and/or long term damage.

Air pollution is the most likely to affect children, the elderly, and pregnant women. These demographics are also those who spend the most time in the home. While most people have a smoke detector and maybe even a carbon monoxide or radon detector as part of their existing home security system, there is no way to detect each and every harmful element of air pollution that may enter the home. Activities like of course smoking, and cooking, heating the home, or even bathing can release dangerous chemicals and toxins. The easiest way to help eliminate some of the risk is to ventilate the home continually whether with a ventilation system or simply by opening the windows, especially when engaging in such activities. If opening the windows, be sure they feature safety latches to maintain good home security against not only air pollutants, but would-be intruders.

It can be a challenge to know which immediate physical symptoms might indicated air pollution inside the home, but they key to recognizing a problem is investigating a persistent symptom. A person who suddenly develops, for example, headaches, exhaustion, runny eyes or nose, a scratchy throat, asthma or another breathing disorder that is persistent and constant might be a victim of overexposure to air pollutants. Long term affects can include serious breathing disorders and even cancer. Families in California and Texas should take action today to create a safe home environment in which every family member can breathe easy.

Asthma is a horrible condition where periodic lung inflammation occurs leading to breath shortening, chest pains and coughs.

One of the fastest growing allergies, currently one in six children develop it. Having the ability to change the way we live our lives, this potential killer should be minimized at all times. Causes of asthma can be minimized in the home environment.

Dust, a term covering all the air-borne particles in a house, is often found at 3 million particles per cubic foot of air. When inhaled this dust can act to aggravate our air passages inducing allergies, one of which is well known, asthma.

Dust can consist of viruses, cigarette smoke, bacteria, dust mites, dead skin flakes, talcum powder, materials fabrics, solvents, kitchen waste, dry pet food or bedding, and pollen. All these constituents range in size massively from just under 0.001um, typical of many viruses, to just above 100um, e.g. dust mites.

Hayfever, asthma and other similar allergies are often aggravated in people by pollen. Pollen tends to be around 20-60 micron in diameter and therefore relatively easy to remove from the air column with an air purifier. Pollen, spores and mildew are routinely removed with many purifier models. HEPA and electrostatic air cleaners are best used to reduce these air pollutants.

Pathogens like bacteria and viruses can be removed with some powerful air purifiers. Common pathogens like E-coli, Staphylococcus, Influenza, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacillus subtilis are able to be targeted and eliminated. Air purifiers with ultra violet capabilities are effective at destroying pathogens.

Noxious gasses such as formaldehyde, car exhaust fumes, cigarette fumes and the like can be combated by effective air purifiers in a number of ways. High speed electrons can be used to break down odors, photocatalytic filters with titanium apatite can absorb polluting particles, further breakdown can be promoted with yet more deodorizing catalytic action. Specific air purifiers aimed at reducing this type of pollutant are Blueair and IQAir GC Multigas air purifiers with SmokeStop filters, and Austin Air Plus purifiers.

Pet odors can be reduced by regularly cleaning their bedding, toys, food bowls, clumps of fur on or around the animal. This reduces all kinds of irritant particles, namely the air-borne dried saliva that has a large effect on allergy sufferers. HEPA and electrostatic air purifiers work best here.

As with all filtering machines, constant servicing is essential, i.e. cleaning or replacing the filters and other cleaning mechanisms regularly. A whole range of air purifiers exists from the basic heavy, loud operating mid to low effectiveness models to state of the art lightweight, quiet, multifunctional and effective, prices increase correspondingly.

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