Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is one of the most harmful indoor air pollutants. Its ability to go undetected well after it causes harm makes it deadly. Approximately 430 people die from accidental CO poisoning every year, with another 50,000 visiting the emergency room because of poisoning.
With gas appliances and fireplaces being so prevalent in U.S. homes, carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern for many. Even if you turn off your gas appliances and care for them regularly, CO can easily release into the air. Over time, small amounts of CO can collect in your home. That is why regular air duct cleaning is essential for your home.
Before we tell you the importance of air duct cleaning, it is important you learn more about carbon monoxide.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
CO is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. You cannot detect carbon monoxide on your own, so specialized detectors are necessary. Additionally, CO can be mixed with other gases in the air that will help disguise its presence. Carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete burning of materials containing carbon. Natural gas, gasoline, oil, coal, propane, and wood are the most common examples.
Common sources of CO in your home include fuel-burning appliances like:
- dryers
- water heaters
- gas stove or oven
- wood stoves
- vehicles
- gas and wood-burning fireplace
- furnace
- grills
- generators
In order to limit the amount of CO in your home from devices like the ones mentioned above, be sure to follow steps to reduce exposure.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is deadly when breathed in because it prevents oxygen from reaching your vital organs. There are many different levels of CO exposure and various symptoms you can look for in others. If you find someone with the following symptoms, they may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Low Concentrations:
- fatigue in healthy people
- chest pain for those with heart disease
Moderate Concentrations:
- angina (serious chest pains)
- impaired vision
- reduced brain function
High Concentrations:
- impaired vision
- headache
- confusion
- dizziness
- nausea
- loss of consciousness
- death
Be sure to seek fresh air and medical attention when experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a serious gas that can quickly cause you to go unconscious and suffocate in just minutes.
The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning
If you have fuel-burning appliances in your home, it is important you maintain their quality. Additionally, you should have regular air duct cleanings. The average level of CO in homes with fast stoves ranges from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). It is important you have the proper PPM in your home to prevent poisoning. Along with caring for your appliances, let our air duct cleaning services help.
We can assist you in maintaining your home’s safety and health with regular air duct cleanings. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), you should have your air ducts cleaned every three to four years. In order to maintain the quality of air in your home, you need a professional air duct cleaning company.
Contact Fresh Air
In order to receive cleaner, healthier, and fresher air in your home, give Fresh Air Duct Cleaning a call. We can assist you in removing a wide range of indoor air pollutants from your home. Give us a call today at (214) 272-9715, or visit our contact us page to fill out the form. Our team will discuss the details of the air duct cleaning with you.
You can also visit our air duct cleaning page for more details on our services. Our team is excited to help you remove the many air pollutants from your home! Don’t hesitate to call for a healthier home.