

They are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO when exercising or under increased stress. Numerous examples of furnaces with blue flames producing high concentrations of carbon monoxide in the combustion products have been found, with some over 4,500. Leaking furnaces or boilers are one of the most common causes of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning every year without fail. These people already have a reduced ability for getting oxygenated blood to their hearts in situations where the heart needs more oxygen than usual. DecemCarbon Monoxide poisoning kills 400 Americans every year and sends 20,000 to the hospital, according to the CDC. However, when CO levels are elevated outdoors, they can be of particular concern for people with some types of heart disease. Very high levels of CO are not likely to occur outdoors. Learn more about CO's impact on indoor air quality.īreathing air with a high concentration of CO reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the blood stream to critical organs like the heart and brain.Īt very high levels, which are possible indoors or in other enclosed environments, CO can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and death.Wood stoves Tobacco smoke While carbon monoxide can be toxic, being exposed to small amounts is something. The greatest sources of CO to outdoor air are cars, trucks and other vehicles or machinery that burn fossil fuels. A variety of items in your home such as unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, and gas stoves also release CO and can affect air quality indoors. Furnaces or boilers Fireplaces, both gas and wood-burning Gas stoves and ovens. What is being done to reduce CO pollution?ĬO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large amounts.
