Do Not Overlook The Threat of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Poisoning

Most homeowners are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, but few are also aware that carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a threat as well. Carbon dioxide can be harmful and even fatal with high levels of sustained exposure. CO2 is, of course, a common gas, including being a normal byproduct of breathing. Typical levels of CO2 outdoors is 300-400 parts per million (PPM), while indoor levels usually run about 600 PPM, which represents .06% concentration. In crowded rooms, the level of CO2, if ventilation in the room is poor, may rise as high as 1% concentration, and at that level one might feel drowsy. This is because CO2 displaces oxygen in the blood stream. The effects and danger increase as concentrations rise, and as the blood stream is unable to carry enough oxygen to the brain. At about 5% concentration, CO2 represents a potentially fatal threat, if exposure lasts for as short 20 minutes. Because CO2 is odorless, one will likely be unaware of the exposure, and either fall asleep or lose consciousness, with permanent brain damage or death following.

Lighting, electrical appliances, and electric heating are major sources of CO2 emissions at home. Under normal working conditions, emissions levels are not dangerous. But when electrical systems begin to fail, the fixture or appliance may continue to run while emitting dangerous levels of carbon dioxide. Monitoring in the home is the only way to insure that dangerous levels of carbon dioxide will be detected and alleviated if they occur.

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