What causes excess carbon monoxide?
Most carbon monoxide poisoning results from malfunctioning or improperly vented combustion appliances, like gas furnaces, gas and propane space heaters, and small barbecues. Un-vented combustion appliances, which include most gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and charcoal grills, can produce high indoor levels of carbon monoxide because they release combustion pollutants directly into the home. Vented combustion appliances, which include most furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, gas water heaters, and gas clothes dryers, usually vent the carbon monoxide directly outdoors. If the vent system is not properly installed and maintained, however, indoor pollutants can build up quickly. Flues, chimneys, or vents sometimes leak or become blocked so that pollutants spill into the home. Large exhaust fans, fireplaces, and forced air heating systems with unbalanced airflows can also cause combustion pollutants to spill into the house. What preventive measures can I take? Make sure that your vented comb
