OOver the years, I have represented clients in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases.

The cases I was involved in had different causes:

• In one case, a PVC vent line came loose at a connection point, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the living space.
• In another incident, the boiler conversion from natural gas to propane was not done properly, resulting in a failure of the heat exchanger, allowing excess carbon monoxide to escape into an adjacent living area.
• In another incident, a torpedo furnace was used in an enclosed space, which over time led to a safe level of carbon monoxide.

I am sure that the reader, like me, can think of more examples.

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Carbon monoxide poisoning

CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Signs of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and disorientated thoughts. Long-term exposure can lead to loss of balance, neurological problems, memory impairment, and in severe cases, death.

The Fire Protection Research Foundation published a report in February 2021 titled: Carbon Monoxide Detection and Alarm Requirements: Literature Review. The report examines the various state and federal requirements for CO detection alarms and discusses the statistics on injuries and deaths related to CO poisoning. It shows that approximately 400 people die each year from CO poisoning and another 50,000 are injured. All of the reported cases were accidental poisonings.

These statistics have remained relatively constant over the decade preceding the report. Population growth over the years suggests some progress in reducing injuries and deaths from CO poisoning. Nevertheless, these are significant numbers.

It makes sense to share information when you know where the main risks arise and what can be done to reduce those risks.

Reduce risks

The Fire Protection Research Foundation report finds that the vast majority of incidents involve space heaters, pool heaters, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and wall heaters. It also notes that about 66 percent of incidents occur during the colder months of November, December, January and February, when we tend to stay indoors.

According to a 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor-powered tools such as generators, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, tillers, pressure washers and snow blowers are the fastest-growing sources of CO poisoning.

Because our industry supplies the fuel for all fuel-burning equipment, we often have the opportunity to take steps to minimize the risk of CO poisoning.

Many members of our industry manufacture, sell and/or install gas appliances. Many of these appliances require conversion from natural gas to propane. Unfortunately, I have seen several cases where the appliances were never converted to propane and a leak occurred, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

An important first step is to ensure that gas appliances or EDTs are properly calibrated and/or converted for propane. If EDTs are used, provide adequate ventilation to prevent CO buildup to dangerous levels. Regular maintenance of gas appliances and EDTs is a good way to ensure these devices and tools continue to operate safely.

Many of the literature references used by industry warn about the risks of CO poisoning and the symptoms that indicate possible CO poisoning. Consider providing such warnings to your customers if you do not already do so.

CO detectors for homes are available, but are not required in many states. Not all states require CO detectors in hotels, gathering places, or other public spaces. Industry warnings to our customers often recommend CO detectors. If you do not recommend CO detectors to your customers, consider doing so.

CO poisoning is a persistent problem that results in hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year. We can do our part to reduce injuries and deaths from this silent killer by proactively providing properly modified equipment and tools, keeping them in good working order, warning our customers about the risks of CO, and recommending CO detectors.

John V. McCoy is with McCoy, Leavitt, Laskey LLC. His firm represents industry members nationally. He can be reached at [email protected] or 262-522-7007.