Carbon dioxide CO 2 and Carbon monoxide CO
Carbon dioxide (CO 2) and Carbon monoxide (CO) CARE Informational Meeting February 10, 2009
How Bad is Our Indoor Air ? The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times as polluted as air on the other side of the window
How Bad is Our Indoor Air ?
Carbon Dioxide �Natural component of exhaled breath. �Not toxic but can asphyxiate by displacing oxygen in a closed space. �Taken up by green plants to form glucose. �It is only a problem in poorly ventilated areas.
Indoor Air Quality Inspection Carbon Dioxide Levels �> 800 ppm - inadequate ventilation � 600 -800 ppm - acceptable air exchange �< 600 ppm - preferable in elementary schools
Indoor Air Quality – Carbon Dioxide �Indicator of overall indoor air quality �Common problem in schools, offices �Many people in small spaces �Can affect performance �Lower test scores among students
Sources of Carbon Monoxide Source: U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207
Carbon Monoxide - Symptoms �Connects to hemoglobin in the blood making hemoglobin unable to carry oxygen to the brain and other organs.
Carbon monoxide - Symptoms �Initial symptoms similar to the flu (but no fever) �Headache �Fatigue �Shortness of breath �Nausea �Dizziness Get fresh air immediately, and leave the home. Get medical attention.
Carbon monoxide - Prevention Proper installation, operation, maintenance and inspection of fuelburning furnaces and appliances.
CO Poisoning Prevention • 2000 -2005 = 222 deaths • New label in 2006
CO Poisoning Prevention Install and test detectors
- Slides: 13