Combustion Pollutants
- Indoor Air Quality - Introduction
- Combustion Pollutants
- Household Products
- Second Hand Smoke
- Formaldehyde
- Mold
- Radon
- Resources
Combustion Pollutants
What are they?
Combustion pollutants are gas or particles that come from appliances that
burn fuel, like a gas stove, furnace, fire place, etc. These gas
appliances can put off dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen
dioxide.
Effects
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because
it is impossible to see, taste, or smell the toxic fumes, carbon monoxide
can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels
of exposure, carbon monoxide causes mild effects that are often mistaken
for the flu. These symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Possible sources of carbon monoxide include: unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.
What you can do
- If you have gas appliances make sure the color of the flame is not yellow or orange rather than its natural blue. If it is yellow or orange it could be putting off dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide.
- Never use gas or kerosene appliances to heat the room.
- Have gas appliances inspected once a year.
- Make sure stoves and heaters have adequate ventilation and exhaust systems don’t leak.
- Never adjust a burner by yourself
- Clean your chimney regularly
- Never use a grill (charcoal or gas) inside
- Install a carbon monoxide detector and place it near sleeping areas. Test it every month to make sure it works and replace the batteries every six months.
Carbon
Monoxide Alarm
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