New Jersey home inspectors should understand the harmful effects of carbon monoxide in homes. Carbon monoxide buildup can be a direct result of a back drafting fuel burning appliance. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels. Most carbon monoxide exposures occur during the winter months. On average 500 people in the United States die each year from non-fire related carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide sickness mimics typical flu like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Due to this the number of carbon monoxide exposures are not reliable and understated. The vast majority of carbon monoxide exposures takes place in a person’s own home.
How does Carbon monoxide effect the body?
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the body that would normally bind with hemoglobin. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen. Carbon monoxide can poison slowly over a period of hours or built up to Lethal levels very quickly with significant exposure. Even in low levels carbon monoxide can cause damage to internal organs caused by lack of oxygen.
Higer concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill a person in less than five minutes. At lower concentrations it will require a longer time frame to affect the human body. If a person is exposed to carbon monoxide and exceeds the EPA concentration of 9 parts per million for more than eight hours a person can have negative health effects.
New Jersey home inspectors should look for the proper placement of carbon monoxide detectors in homes that they are inspecting.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be paced within 10 feet of each bedroom door and near all areas where people sleep in the home. Every home as recommended by the Consumer Products Safety Commission should have at a minimum of at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home. Making sure that each detector can be easily heard from each bedroom and sleeping area.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each floor of the home including the basement.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed over the garage if there is a living space. If a car is left running accidently in the garage the carbon monoxide alarm should sound alerting occupants to the safety hazard.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed close to but not directly above combustion appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces. Detectors should be placed ten feet away from these appliances.
How can a family prevent carbon monoxide exposure?
Install carbon monoxide detectors in the recommended areas of the home.
Make sure appliances are installed and are being operated according to the manufacturer instructions. Have your fuel burning appliances inspected and serviced yearly to make sure they are operating safety and efficiently. You should have all chimneys and vents inspected yearly also for damage, blockages, and flue liner displacement and damage.
Portable generators and any other gasoline powered equipment should not be operated in an enclosed area such as a garage. Even with open windows and doors operating a gas-powered equipment inside can cause carbon monoxide levels to build up to lethal levels very quickly.
Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
Never burn any charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
Never leave a vehicle operating in an attached garage, even if the garage door is left in the open position.
Never heat your home even in no heat conditions with fuel burning appliances such as ovens, ranges, and dryers.
Make sure all vents and chimneys in the home are properly maintained and clear to avoid carbon monoxide build up in the home.
During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are done
Most municipalities will require fire and certificate of occupancy inspections where a town inspector will look for the existence and placement of carbon monoxide detectors in the home. However, home inspectors in NJ should be knowledgeable and educate their home inspection clients about the importance of having properly placed carbon monoxide detectors in the home. NJ home inspection reports should also describe desirable locations for the placement of carbon monoxide detectors and not rely only on the municipal inspection. Some municipal inspections are better than others.