ISU Extension: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Dangers, Detection, Response, and Poisoning

[Emily]

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Dangers, Detection, Response, and Poisoning (AEN-193)

ISU Extension Pub # AEN-193
Author: Thomas H. Greiner, Extension Agricultural Engineer
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University.
April 1997
Carbon Monoxide: Dangers, Detection, Response and Poisoning
Thomas H. Greiner, PhD., P.E, Iowa State University Edward Krenzelok Pharm.D., Pittsburgh
Poison Center, William P. Spohn, P. it., Bacharach, Inc.

http://www.abe.iastate.edu/extension...oning-aen-193/​

Flame color is not an accurate measure of CO concentrations. What is normally accepted as a safe blue flame may still be producing excessive concentrations of carbon monoxide. Measurement of CO in the flue gases is the only reliable method to determine if complete combustion is occurring.

(There goes a myth I believed in.)

Iowa indoor air quality studies in 65 Iowa homes found 29 homes with excessive concentrations of carbon monoxide produced by the furnace or water heater. The response of professionals contacted by homeowners for help was deemed inadequate; ten professionals said they had fixed the problem – BUT HAD NOT; six professionals reported no carbon monoxide problem and told the homeowners the problem was the CO detector – BUT THERE WAS A CO PROBLEM; three professionals indicated there was a problem but failed to located it; two professionals correctly diagnosed and corrected the problem(s); one professional said the problem was caused by a freak occurrence of weather, and would not likely reoccur – BUT THERE WAS A CO PROBLEM THAT WOULD LIKELY REOCCUR.

(That indicates the need for better professional standards in CO detection!)

 

[Emily]

Here's some case studies with details.

[h=3][/h] Investigations of Carbon Monoxide Cases Reveal Many Problems Thomas H. Greiner, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Professor
Iowa State University Extension Housing Engineer

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pages/communications/co/co_cases.html​