Why is carbon monoxide hazardous?
When carbon monoxide, or CO, accumulates to a certain point in your blood, death can occur. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless gas and exposure to it is life threatening.
Even continued low-level exposure to carbon monoxide can permanently damage your brain and vital organs.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms that are similar to the flu or the cold. So, one may not even realize that they are breathing the dangerous gas.
Causes
What causes heating system problems that could potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Higher efficiency appliances for saving money often do not perform as well for use in an existing chimney flue. Improper sizing ratios between the new appliance and the flue it is being vented into may cause toxic gases to enter the home. Similarly, the fact that houses are more airtight today than ever before allow less fresh air into the home, and appliances that do not receive enough fresh air input may not burn their fuels completely, creating carbon monoxide.
In addition to the fire hazard associated with dryers fires, there is also the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning. When it becomes blocked or clogged, dryer vents for gas dryers may allow carbon monoxide to back up into the home which can lead is dangerous. This is why it is recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector close to the dryer if you have a gas dryer.
When you burn fuel it is important to remember that carbon monoxide is not the only danger to your health. Toxic nitrogen dioxide, in particulate matter and acid water vapors can also be emitted depending on the conditions existing when the fire is being burned.
Steps to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Hazard.
Keep blockage in the flue system from nesting material or other debris from occurring by installing a chimney cap. When gases can’t exit the flue they will back up into the home creating a dangerous situation. Nesting materials are also a fire hazard. Chimney inspection regularly is the best way to prevent a possible hazard from occurring. The professional can check the integrity of your existing flue system and any connector pipes in appliances for rust or other problems.
This chimney is properly capped to avoid debris or nesting material from making the chimney a CO hazard. Acid water vapors can be emitted depending on the conditions existing when acid water vapors are emitted
Why A Chimney Cap Might Save Your Chimneys Life- Blog
In conclusion, we hope you can find a reputable Chimney Sweep in your area by using this link: ncsg.org In addition, be sure and go online so you can read their customer reviews from Google, BBB and AngiesList.
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Burn Safe and Warm,
Clay