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Environmental Issue Carbon Monoxide

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ENVIORMENTAL ISSUES REPORT
Carbon Monoxide
For my report, I was given carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is toxic to humans when encountered in concentrations above about 35 ppm, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal biological functions. In the atmosphere, it is spatially variable and short lived, having a role in the formation of ground-level ozone. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. One example of building carbon monoxide poisoning is starting your car in a closed garage and letting the fumes build up in the garage, and it could possibly kill or injure you.
All of these sources can contribute to a CO problem in the home. If a home is vented properly and is free from appliance malfunctions, air pressure fluctuations or airway blockages, carbon monoxide will most likely be safely vented to the outside. But in today's "energy efficient" homes this is frequently not the case. Tightly constructed/sealed homes can trap CO-polluted air in a home year-round. Furnace heat exchangers can crack, vents can become blocked, inadequate air supply for combustion appliances can cause conditions known as back drafting or reverse stacking, which force contaminated air back into the home. Exhaust fans on range hoods, clothes dryers and bathroom fans can also pull combustion products into the home.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector per household, near the sleeping area. Additional detectors on every level of a home and in every bedroom provide extra protection. Choose an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) listed detector that sounds an audible alarm. You can choose a model that is wired to your home's electrical system, a model which plugs into a standard electrical outlet, or a battery-operated model. Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors continue to protect even in the event of a power outage. Hardwired AC models, although more costly and difficult to install, reduce the expense of battery replacement but do not offer protection during power outages. Hardwired AC models with battery back-up offer double protection.
The new law requires only the property owner to assume legal responsibility for installing the carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring that they are working. When you have decided on the house, there will be a house inspection, the cost of a carbon monoxide detector inspection will be $30, which will be the same price as a smoke detector inspection beginning on January 1, 2002. However, a town or city may charge an additional fee of $30 if the detectors must be reinspected due to improper installation, wrong location, improper wiring, or the owner's failure to keep his inspection appointment.
The law applies to existing, occupied single-family homes and other residential buildings which are transferred on or after January 1, 2002. The law will also apply to new single-family homes and other residential buildings with gas utilities which are constructed or converted for residential occupancy on or after January 1, 2002. Residential buildings which are required to have a fire alarm system are exempt.
What kind of carbon monoxide detectors must be installed? Carbon monoxide detector emit an audible signal with a minimum rating of eighty-five decibels at a distance of ten feet and have a "power on" indicator. The detectors must be listed and/or approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Factory Mutual, or some other nationally recognized testing laboratory approved by the state fire marshal and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
SB-183 requires all existing single-family dwelling units to install Carbon Monoxide Detectors. By January 1, 2013 all other existing dwelling units must be in compliance. A violation will be punishable by a maximum fine of $200.00 for each offense. However, Carbon Monoxide Detectors are not a pre-condition of sale. The Seller(s) must disclose on page 1 of the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) if the home does not have the detectors. It should also be noted that all Seller(s) prior to close of Escrow must install smoke detectors in their home. SB-183 does not change this requirement.

Sources;;

http://www.epa.gov/airquality/carbonmonoxide/

http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/carbon-monoxide-indoors.html

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