Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Most people think carbon monoxide is just a danger during house fires, but the reality is that it can cause problems in many other situations. Learning how your indoor air is affected by carbon monoxide can help you figure out whether or not it poses a risk for you and your family.
What Does Carbon Monoxide Look and Smell Like?
Carbon monoxide’s effect on your indoor air quality may not be immediately noticeable. This gas is completely odorless and tasteless, and it is completely invisible. This means that you cannot tell if your air quality is affected by the smell or look of your air.
Does Carbon Monoxide Damage Your Health?
Carbon monoxide might not seem that noticeable, but it can be even more dangerous than other air quality problems like dust. The problem with carbon monoxide is that it keeps your body from being able to carry oxygen around with blood cells. This means that having high amounts of carbon monoxide is essentially like suffocating. At levels of around 10 to 29 parts per million, carbon monoxide can cause chronic health problems like headaches and trouble focusing. At higher levels, it can cause problems like nausea, impaired vision, dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death. High levels can also result in permanent long-term health problems.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From?
Carbon monoxide does occur naturally due to things like forest fires, but it is usually at very low levels. Charlottesville residents who use Beck Cohen‘s indoor air quality testing may find that they have high levels of carbon monoxide due to one or more of these causes. Some of these include:
- Gas appliances
- Leaking chimneys or furnaces
- Vehicle exhaust
- Leaking flues from furnaces and boilers
- Tobacco smoke
- Unvented kerosene heaters
If you want to improve your indoor air quality, Beck Cohen‘s services can make a huge difference. We provide a variety of heating, cooling, and ventilation services to help you keep your air feeling comfortable and safe. Call us now to schedule your next appointment.