“If, on occasion, the knowledge brought by science leads to an unhappy end, this is not to the discredit of science but is rather an indication of an imperfect ability to use wisely the gifts placed within our hands.”
Polykarp Kusch (1911-1993, bio link)
Campers be aware of carbon monoxide when around a campfire’s mesmerizing trance.
Carbon monoxide is the result of incomplete combustion. The quality of combustion is dependent upon and rated against the quality of the fuel and its potential to provide energy cleanly, without CO production under ideal conditions. In order for there to be complete combustion of all the fuel with little or trace amounts of carbon monoxide, the fuel and air mixtures must be controlled. Too much air on a combusting fuel will reduce the flame temperature in places and result in incomplete combustion.
Wood used in campfires and some fireplaces for example, is used in less than ideal conditions for complete burning of the fuel. Therefore, smoke and CO are produced. The wood used in recreational campfires has an unknown Btu (heat value) & moisture content. There is not much of a way to control the air & fuel mixtures; perhaps wind or breeze control prevails in the setting. This contributes to less than ideal conditions for complete burning.
There is not any type of flame containment other than perhaps ground spreading reduction barriers like rocks or dirt. When air cannot be controlled in this process, combustion cannot be controlled in the way we want to control the flame of natural gas or heating oil, propane or the other combustion fuels we buy. The outer edges of the campfire flame are also cooler due to the flooding of cooler air towards the fire. In some parts of the campfire the temperature is not hot enough for complete combustion to be sustained. “Who is responsible for the air you breathe?” Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News Link: Canada
Gas claims 250 lives a year in Canada
London Free Press By ROB PARKER, Special to QMI Agency
Every year in Canada, there are approximately 1000 reported poisonings and 250 deaths due to carbon monoxide. Every city in Ontario has legislative authority and can pass bylaws requiring carbon monoxide detectors be installed. Several cities, including Toronto, have enacted such bylaws.
In Ontario, carbon monoxide detectors are required in new homes, but the legislature is moving toward making detectors mandatory in homes containing a garage or fuel-burning appliance such as a furnace, hot water heater, stove, dryer or gas or wood burning stove or fireplace. As of April 17, Bill 20, (Hawkins Gignac Act) was ordered for third reading in the legislature. If and when Bill 20 is passed, all homes and apartments containing a fuel-burning appliance or a storage garage will require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of the residence. This bill will amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997.
In 2008, an Ontario family of four died of carbon monoxide poisoning and most recently in January 2012 ...
Carbon Monoxide Survivor A website made by poisoning survivors that brings a view that can only come from those that know what it is like to have been poisoned - as well as live with the long term impact.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-five U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia
Google Maps to reference the locations referenced in these Internet headlines.
Bald Eagle Camera Alcoa Bald Eagle Camera, Davenport, Iowa.
Placed here for now for something other than carbon monoxide news.
The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
