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News Release
Sept. 23, 2003
Start of Heating Season Brings Warning
Regarding Carbon Monoxide
Albuquerque: As temperatures drop and natural gas-fired
furnaces begin to kick on, PNM is warning customers to be
wary of carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odorless gas that
can poison in a matter of minutes.
Furnaces that are properly installed and maintained pose
very little risk to homeowners and occupants. Typically, any
CO produced by a furnace is vented outside through a flue
or piping. But if venting becomes blocked, or airflow to the
equipment is diminished, CO can be drawn into a home or business.
CO poisoning can cause serious illness or death if left untreated.
Causes of CO asphyxiation
- Natural gas-fueled appliances that are not properly installed
or maintained can produce CO. Some of the most common causes
of CO include:
- improper installation or removal of furnace blower doors
- use of gas stoves to heat kitchens or houses
- cracks that develop in furnace fire boxes
- improper venting of gas appliances
Signs of poisoning
The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO in the
air and the length of exposure, as well as an individual's
health condition. Initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar
to the flu, but without fever. They typically include:
- headache
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- dizziness
Because CO replaces oxygen in the blood, it can make people
feel sleepy. Or, if they are asleep, it can prevent people
from waking up.
What customers should do if they suspect
CO poisoning
Customers who experience a number of these symptoms should
open all the windows in the home or business and leave the
building immediately. They should get medical attention
by dialing 911 and also contact the PNM emergency number
in their local phone book.
What customers can do to prevent CO
poisoning
There are several things customers can do to prevent CO
poisoning. These are:
- Have a qualified professional light your furnace each
year and check it for any potential problems, including
CO emissions.
- Make sure your gas appliances
- are installed properly
- are inspected periodically by a trained technician
- have enough fresh air for the fuel to burn properly
- have vents in good condition that are not blocked
with debris
- are operated in areas that are clear from clutter
or trash
- have a clear, steady blue flame
- Never use a gas stove or an outdoor grill as an indoor
heat source.
- Install a CO detector in your home or business, but
only as a second line of defense.
The American Red Cross recommends that when
buying a CO detector, a customer should make sure it is listed
with Underwriter's Laboratories (UL), standard 2034, or that
it meets the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. This information
should be on the package or in the product instructions. However,
customers should consider a CO detector as a second line of
defense against CO poisoning; the device should never be substituted
for using equipment safely, which includes annual inspections
by a licensed professional.
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