Carbon monoxide detector and ventilation: the protection of your home

The carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, highly toxic carbon gas, to the point that its inhalation can lead to death, which originates from the poor combustion of burners and heaters (stoves, kitchens…). Death occurs due to poisoning, in which CO replaces the O2 in the hemoglobin of the blood. The poisoning this gas causes kills a considerable number of people each year. One way to reduce the risk of poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in our home. In this article, we explain its importance and the need to provide our spaces with an efficient ventilation system that eliminates the risk of accumulation of this lethal gas.

Causes of CO accumulation

Among the causes of an accumulation of carbon monoxide are the following:

u2022 Leaks from a malfunctioning heater.

u2022 Ventilation ducts of burners and heaters that are malfunctioning, blocked, or poorly installed.

u2022 Use of gas stoves, as these do not have exhaust ducts.

u2022 Combustion of vehicles in garages.

u2022 An inadequate ventilation system that causes certain spaces to become depressurized. When an inversion occurs, carbon monoxide leaks into different rooms due to rebound effects from the air currents.

It should be noted that the need to provide our homes with a hermetic envelope that minimizes energy losses, to comply with energy demand limitation requirements, may worsen the problem. This is because infiltration of air is reduced, and with it, its proper renewal. In these cases, it will be more necessary than ever to install a controlled mechanical ventilation system that guarantees ventilation of enclosed spaces. Ventilation is the best means of prevention, as CO is a gas that, being odorless, colorless, and non-irritating to mucous membranes, is difficult to detect. The perception of inhalation of this toxic gas is realized only after it has caused havoc among occupants. The most common symptoms of CO inhalation are, among others, headaches, dizziness, vision problems, chest and respiratory discomfort, and nausea.

Carbon monoxide detector: a good ally

The competent authorities warn about the risk of CO poisoning. A good recommendation is to install a carbon monoxide detector approved with an alarm, an essential piece to combat poisoning from this lethal gas. The CTE, in its Section HS 3 Indoor Air Quality, defines carbon monoxide detection systems as those automatic systems that alert of CO accumulation in a room. Its purpose is to activate the mechanical exhaust fans of the ventilation system at the moment when a level threatening the health of individuals is reached.

In parking lots and garages, the Basic Document states that all these areas intended for the parking of cars, if they have more than 5 spaces or have an area equal to or greater than 100 m2, must have a CO detection system on each of their floors. This system must activate mechanical exhaust fans if the concentration exceeds 50 ppm (parts per million) in areas with workers. In areas where the presence of workers is not anticipated, the limit is set at 100 ppm.