If You're In Bridgeville, PA, What Is The Hazard Of CO Toxic Gas In Your Domicile?

By Elba Carroll

The government has issued a safety advisory recommending the inspection of home central heating systems come fall this season. It urges everyone to take this seriously in consideration of general public safety. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, is urging homeowners to have their central heating system inspected annually by a certified heating contractor.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, encourages homeowners to have their central heating systems checked and inspected by a qualified heating contractor. This implies that the heating components from the furnace, seals, automatic safety switches, thermostat, and other important mechanical/electrical parts should be free from any damage. Regular reviews of the heating system will ensure minimized occurrences of potential gas leaks or overheating. Not doing so may result in potential hazards like fires or even explosions.

It would be of great benefit to the said homeowner if the flue and chimney were inspected for possible problems. This would ensure that proper care and maintenance of the existing central heating system is properly attended to. Debris clogging the passageway should be cleared in order to prevent the leakage of harmful exhaust gases into the home.

Any potential leakage of dangerous fumes into the house is a major cause for alarm, especially when caused by debris clogging the air passages. Flues and chimneys should be kept clear of any loosened mortar or nests. Another important thing to be careful of is the presence of carbon monoxide and its proper venting outside the home. Holes or perforations in the chimney and flue system should be repaired as soon as possible in order to prevent damage caused by rust and/or corrosion. Not taking immediate action can lead to the entry of harmful fumes into the home.

Any signs of damage from corrosion or rust could very well compromise unwanted gas entry into the home. Carbon monoxide or CO is known for its reputation of being a silent killer. The gas is odorless and colorless becoming even more dangerous because it can already be present in harmful levels inside the house without the inhabitants being aware.

This explains why there is very good reason in guarding against carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home. Of particular importance is identifying the signs of the possible entry of carbon monoxide fumes into the home through faulty heating and/or ventilation systems. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can actually mimic flu-like illnesses.

Prolonged exposure to the gas can result in nausea, fatigue, painful headaches, or even difficulty in breathing. Based on CPSC data, as many as 60 fatalities have been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty central heating equipment. Inspections of the chimney should be made a top priority, especially when the heating system has undergone a conversion from solid fuel to gas.

There is a high risk from accumulated soot and other debris falling down the chimney resulting in a buildup of harmful exhaust gases. In cases like these, a chimney sweep would be necessary after which the system should be cleared of all existing soot until the passage is clear. As per CPSC recommendation, households intending on changing their existing heating system to a gas type should make chimney inspection an important part of the process. These reviews should then be made on an annual basis.

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