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YORK - Shipley Energyjoins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in urging Central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning heating systems - including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, water heaters, and space heaters - to detect potentially deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leaks.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by burning any fuel, including kerosene, oil, coal, both natural and liquefied petroleum gas, and wood. Under certain conditions, all appliances that burn fuels can leak the deadly gas.
"Having a professional inspection of your fuel-burning heating appliances is the first line of defense against the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "The second line is a carbon monoxide detector," added Phil Schuchart, vice president of marketing for Shipley Energy, which is selling carbon monoxide detectors to the public.
Similar to a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector emits a piercing alarm when it detects carbon monoxide. The CPSC recommends that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector that meets CSA, UL or IAS standards.
The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death and, in fact, is responsible for about 160 deaths each year.
According to the CPSC, a professional inspects chimneys, flues and vents for leakage and blockage by debris. Birds, animals and insects sometimes nest in vents and block exhaust gases, causing the gases to enter the home. In addition, all vents to furnaces, water heaters, boilers and other fuel-burning heating appliances should be checked to make sure they are not loose or disconnected. A professional will also inspect appliances for adequate ventilation. |
