News Release

Sept. 22, 2005

Start of Heating Season Brings Warning Regarding Carbon Monoxide

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NEWS MEDIA CONTACT Susan Sponar Telephone: (505) 241-2768

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, and
• 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,
• sleepiness or difficulty 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 phonebook.

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, and
  • 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.