How is Carbon Monoxide Generated In Your Home?

Carbon monoxide is generated through incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and charcoal, gasoline or wood.

This incomplete combustion can occur in a variety of home appliances. The major cause of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home is faulty ventilation of funaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces, cooking stoves, grills and kerosene heaters.

Other common sources are car exhausts, and gas or diesel powered portable machines.

Faulty or improper ventilation of natural gas and fuel oil furnaces during the cold winter months accouts for most carbon monoxide poisoning cases.

Correct operation of any fuel burning equipment requires two key conditions. There must be:

* An adequate supply of air for complete combustion.

* Proper ventilation of fuel burning appliances through the chimney, vents or duct to the outside.