Every Day: Carbon Monoxide Safety Education Day
Thanks RudyIf you measure, so are you.
If text is in Blue it is a link to a news article, document or video; EXCEPT THIS ONE. Posted links are not edited for grammar errors or regional spelling differences.
Pollution, a known a killer – unfortunately a product of economies
What is the risk of being nauseous from carbon monoxide?
Edgar Guest (1881-1959, bio link)
Isaac Hayes - "Hyperbolicsyllablecsesquedalymistic" - music link
"Taking Carbon Monoxide Seriously" from "CO Safety For Life & Death of it" segment 0006BDCOSA
(COSA - BD 3 min video)
Does it take the death of a family member, friend, neighbor or someone famous for us to take carbon monoxide measurement seriously and with more understanding? Yes, unfortunately; for a while perhaps. Fortunately, there are passionate survivors and those who have felt that shocking loss and work towards greater understanding of the impact CO has on our lives. They rally to educate, instigate fund raisers to help supply CO alarms to others and to dialogue with lawmakers and policy influencers regarding laws, ordinances, and the public offering of the alarms. And you, do you have carbon monoxide protection; everywhere?
The Jenkins Foundation was formed in memory of Daryl and Shirley Jenkins who both lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel room in Boone, North Carolina, on April 16, 2013. (Visit this web site)
Out of tragedy comes the light of love
Chester County Press
The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation
I was a firefighter for 34 years. But for close to seven years, I’ve had a new mission: to end the silence on The Silent Killer – carbon monoxide. My reasons are very personal. - My niece Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and their two children Cassandra and Jordan all died from CO poisoning in December 2008. - A blocked chimney vent forced carbon monoxide from their gas fireplace back into their home. - To honour their memory, our charitable foundation promotes carbon monoxide education and raises funds to purchase CO alarms to be given to at-risk families by fire departments nationwide.
The LOK Wishing Tree Foundation
Lindsey’s family and friends transformed their grief into something new and beautiful: The Lindsey O’Brien Kesling (LOK) Wishing Tree Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to honoring the fullness of Lindsey’s short life by supporting her passions: helping children achieve their dreams, mentoring those less privileged, supporting their potential in the performing arts and by being a friend. We have also made it a priority to help prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning for others by raising awareness and distributing free and low cost CO alarms.
↓CO News links below: first, these announcements
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"Classroom Discussions" A collection of CO Safety training program segments below, crafted from a series of weekly CO News links posted as summaries for the week or time span listed. These segments may contain information critical to saving a life and preventing another carbon monoxide poisoning. Scroll down to Classroom Discussions.
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COSA – Educational Invitation 3:12
This is an invitational introduction to carbon monoxide safety awareness education. This begins the provision of information preparatory to taking the ESCO Exam C-12. The full series is being developed for the 2021, HVAC Excellence National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference to be held online, making it simple, affordable, and safe for all to attend. View this video segment 0001 and visit the ESCO Group at https://escogroup.org/
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Site Construction - Every Day Carbon Monoxide Safety Education Continues
Purchase link (ESCO) (Buy this Low-Level CO Monitor now)
World Wide Reports - Pollution and Health Effects- Fire Safety
Carbon Monoxide News Links
August 20, 2020 (International Spelling; no edits)
Barrow Fire Station watch manager warns of 'silent killer' carbon monoxide
NW Evening Mail
“We have had around three callouts in a week for carbon monoxide,” Mr Parkinson said. - “Many reasons for this include gas leaks or log burner seals that may not have been checked in a few years. - “Alarm bells don’t ring when you fall asleep in front of the fire in the evening, and your wife may think you are having a sleep but it could actually be carbon monoxide killing you. (More at NW Evening Mail)
The Cold Case of Carbon Monoxide
NRAO
Fifty years ago, astronomers discovered carbon monoxide in space. It allowed us to see dark regions of the universe, and helped us understand it… - One of the first surprises was that cold gas clouds are very common in the Milky Way. - Before the radio observation of CO, the clouds could only be seen in visible light, and only where they blocked or reflected the light of nearby bright stars. - Most were invisible to optical telescopes. - With radio telescopes, astronomers could see clouds of gas and dust throughout our galaxy. - As radio astronomers discovered more types of molecules in space, they began to understand the complex chemistry that occurs in these interstellar clouds. (More NRAO)
Predicting when an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning will occur is not something anyone can do, but some circumstances make it foreseeable that it will occur. This is why so many of the CO safety and awareness statements are redundant.
The fact is, some people just don’t get it, don’t understand it, have no respect for the gas or, who knows why? Maybe it is because "accidents happen to someone else". But it is foreseeable that you will read about deaths occurring in this news blog again, despite the collective efforts around the world to prevent death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The 2021 conference will be an event unlike any before! Participating organizations will be able to conduct training programs from their facilities, allowing them to showcase technologies not readily available at an event conducted at a hotel or convention center. (More to learn, enroll)
View this short carbon dioxide measurement trip and see the concentrations of CO2 vary by circumstantial conditions and the amount of people in the indoor space. Too many people in a room or building with inadequate ventilation can result in serious health and safety concerns. (See more Classroom Discussions)
“That’s why I put the message out,” he said. “No matter who you are or how invincible you think you are, it’s like carbon monoxide: odorless, tasteless. … You can’t taste it, you can’t see it, but it can kill you. This is the same here. - The thing is, I’ve been doing all the things they tell you — wear a mask, social distancing [from] people. I was doing all of those things, and I still got sick.” (Read more of Washington Post)
WCHS-TV8
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:
* Fever or chills
* Cough
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
* Fatigue
* Muscle or body aches
* Headache
* New loss of taste or smell
* Sore throat
* Congestion or runny nose
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhea
(Read more about after the vacation at WCHS-TV8)
COSA - Video to watch and think of those you care about
Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage by Particulate Air Pollution
PubMed
Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) is associated with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. - The mechanisms of PM-induced health effects are believed to involve inflammation and oxidative stress. -The oxidative stress mediated by PM may arise from direct generation of reactive oxygen species from the surface of particles, soluble compounds such as transition metals or organic compounds,… (See more at PubMed)
COHb measurement can rule in CO poisoning but does not have the sensitivity to rule it out on its own. COHb levels do not correlate well with severity of poisoning or outcomes… (Much more at this site; view flashcard)
The Jenkins Foundation
Dozens of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents occur in U.S. hotels every year. Many of these incidents result in unnecessary harm to hotel guests, (See more of this Jenkins Foundation Data Report)
A Tale of Weatherization at Grandma's House
Story adapted by the Building Science Community of Alaska
How heat, air, and moisture works together to determine your overall home performance level. (Watch this animation - internet dropped via Kousma Insulation)
Safeguarding your family and home should be your number one priority at all times, and this is why you must not take chances in any way. - (Read more HSE, OHSA, OHS)
Please Note: "Place a carbon monoxide alarm with a digital display on a seat in the motor vehicle when you are out driving in emergency snow conditions (or always for that specific). Harmful levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can penetrate inside a motor vehicle just due to prevailing winds and exhaust not moving away from the vehicle but under it. If you want to learn more about carbon monoxide, begin measuring it with a personal CO monitor everywhere you go." Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
UL 2034
COSA - TPI; supporting carbon monoxide safety education - Video
How much carbon monoxide are you in when in any motor vehicle?
Did you know that many people do not measure the air they breathe?
After prevention there is no greater awareness than measurement.
Must not display under 30PPM in normal operation
AT 70, 150 & 400 PPM display must be accurate within plus or minus 30 Percent
SENSITIVITY TESTING: Resist alarming first times shown, must by second shown time
70PPM [PLUS OR MINUS 5PPM ... [BETWEEN 60 _ 240 MINUTES]
150PPM [PLUS OR MINUS 5PPM] ... [10 - 50 MINUTES]
Begin reviewing building pressure technologies with:
TEC - The Energy Conservatory
Minneapolis Blower Brothers - vintage video - early instruction
View TEC introductions to measurement products
Updated June 27, 2020
Many people work in confined space and worry more about insects, reptiles and spiders than even give a thought to the air they will be breathing. Many warnings regarding CO & smoke alarms with respect to emergency responders. A special call out to boaters everywhere. Sophia had a law named after her in Minnesota and with respect to her if not the law, put CO detectors in your boats when you are in them. As always, there is a request for low level carbon monoxide protection by everyone at home and with a personal CO monitor when you work or whenever a combustion system poses a risk to you. (See more slide/videos below in "Classroom Discussions")
Carbon monoxide deaths from cooking ovens, cars and fires reported. Discussion articles note the additional hazards the COVID 19 virus has added to the critical tasks of fire fighters, police EMT's and HVACR technicians. A brief discussion of a gas oven testing location is presented to encourage more testing of this appliance. As always, there is a request for low level carbon monoxide protection by everyone at home and with a personal monitor with you when you work or whenever a combustion system poses a risk to you. (Video 14m38s BDCOSA)
COSA - slide/video
Measuring carbon dioxide is critical in determining indoor air quality measures in homes and buildings. 20 minutes, 44 seconds and see this easy to duplicate experiment; just add more people.
COSA - slide/video
Close calls and death - Carbon Monoxide News Weekly Summary March 23 to 29 2020. Review posted articles relevant to carbon monoxide, air quality, combustion and fire safety with the intent to raise awareness. Includes bonus video preview of Classroom Discussion segment regarding the practices of everyday measurement for professional technicians.
COSA - slide/video
COSA - slide/video
A brief tutorial regarding combustion air and carbon monoxide generation and several stories from last week that unfortunately demonstrate the tutorial. Carbon monoxide safety education requires your daily measurement.
COSA - slide/video
Three separate CO News stories connected by CO alarm circumstances. Know how your alarm is tested and how it responds to the actual presence of carbon monoxide. Bob Dwyer Classroom discussion segment, March 8 2020
BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) Demonstration - How it Happens Training Video
COSA - Video
TPI is a long-time sponsor of this CO education effort
When does your carbon monoxide alarm? How do you test it? Are you sure it is responding to carbon monoxide in a safe, timely manner? Do you know much about your carbon monoxide alarm? This Classroom Discussion segment does highlight low-level CO protection with one of our supporter's manufactured product while it helps with CO alarm education. (View video)
If you’re not measuring, I’m not teaching well. Can’t travel but can still teach and offer this help to all fellow instructors as they prepare the technicians who will help in providing safety practices and instruction to their future customers.
Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.
U.S. Carbon Monoxide Laws for each state
National Conference of State Legislatures
As of March 2018, a majority of states have enacted statutes regarding carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and another 11 have promulgated regulations on CO detectors. Alaska requires detectors approved by the state fire marshal be installed in all dwellings. Connecticut requires them in all new construction, as does New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia. Florida also requires them in new construction, and in every room with a boiler. Minnesota passed a law requiring detectors in motor boats.
CO Detectors in U.S. Homes
27 states and the District of Columbia require carbon monoxide detectors in private dwellings via state statute: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia (via adoption of the International Residential Code), Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Certain states limit the installation to buildings with fossil-fuel burning devices, others only require the device be installed upon the sale of the property or unit.
Another 11 states require carbon monoxide detectors in private dwellings regulatorily through the adoption of the International Residential Code or via an amendment to their state’s building code: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wyoming.
CO Detectors in U.S. Schools
California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine and Maryland require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in school buildings.
CO Detectors in U.S. Hotels and Motels
Fourteen states require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels under the statute. - Three of those states (New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin) have complementary administrative regulations. - Two states (Kansas and Washington) have requirements through administrative regulations alone.
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Ontario Canada Carbon Monoxide Alarm Legislation
Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Hawkins-Gignac Act
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Ontario Regulation 194/14
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Red Cross - Disaster Relief to safely assist law enforcement, fire department, utility company, city, county and state authorities as repair and rebuilding moves forward. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
Nationally, the Red Cross provides food and shelter to people affected by as many as 70,000 fires annually, or about one fire every eight minutes.
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We have all been CO poisoned, some more than others
We have all inhaled carbon monoxide. We are a world of fire users.
What is in the air you are breathing right now?
What will you be doing today; walking into poison?
Who will be responsible for the air you breathe?
You may be the only person who can prevent your own poisoning.
We are all vulnerable to carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning.
Everyone has been poisoned by CO and will be poisoned again. The degree of the poisoning depends upon allowing yourself to be in a situation where someone else controls the air you breathe and the mechanisms for alarming notification.
Please read the alarm information on the package and in the instructions that come with the carbon monoxide alarm. Know that if it is a U.L. 2034 Listed product (or CSA 6.19 Listed), it is a high level alarm that has been tested to alarm no sooner than 70 PPM at the lowest (the alarm must resist for one hour when above this level) and when over 400 PPM before 15 minutes at the highest concentration, after resisting alarming for 4 minutes when over this level.
Know when your fire department and emergency responders begin wearing their breathing apparatus and what their civilian evacuation levels are for carbon monoxide; it may be as soon as the gas is present in your presence. Pregnant women, infants & children, people with heart & respiratory struggles, those suffering depression or chronic headaches and all people of vulnerable health should be alerted as soon as the gas begins to concentrate, around 10 PPM (parts per million) or lower.
You'd prefer a low level carbon monoxide detector to sound off when carbon monoxide hazards are just beginning, not after you’ve been exposed to levels that make you have headaches, flu-like symptoms, increased tiredness, heart stresses or worse.
Do not take risks with carbon monoxide. Take responsibility for the air you breathe and the combustion systems you are responsible for. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for others, unless you think $45.00, high level protection is good enough.
Help prevent injuries and deaths; don’t guess about carbon monoxide. Measure carbon monoxide for safety and knowledge. The more you test the more you learn. GET BUSY - Investigate the following video segments to explore low level carbon monoxide measurement.
MORE CARBON MONOXIDE LEARNING LINKS
CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Movie Release 2015 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Public domain video from CDC. Carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced (More)
A well put together video is found with the next link, but remember: U.L. 2034 Listed CO Alarms are high level alarms. Use them for protection against acute levels, but be aware you can still experience symptoms of the poisoning even though the devices are in place.
DailyMotion - About Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Intoxication
Journal of Neurology and Neuroscience
Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is one of the main causes of poisoning in industrialized countries and it often leads to diagnostic errors…
Carbon monoxide intoxication.
nih.gov
However individuals with ischemic heart disease may experience chest pain and decreased exercise duration at COHb levels between 1% and 9%. COHb levels between 30% and 70% lead to loss of consciousness and eventually death…
JEMS.com - ...site has been designed with this in mind – to create a visual, interactive, educational resource which can hopefully end incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning and save lives… For more information, please visit - www.thesilentkiller.co.uk
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Carbon Monoxide Canary - music link
Who is responsible for the air you breathe?
Take control inside your homes.
-Link to: → CO alarm standards –
The lowest U.L. 2034 & CSA 6.19 carbon monoxide alarm test point is:
- 70 PPM to 149 PPM –resist one hour, must alarm before 4 hours
Please read the alarm information on the package and in the instructions. Know when your fire department and emergency responders begin wearing their breathing apparatus and what their civilian evacuation levels are for carbon monoxide; it may be before 70 PPM. It is for pregnant women, infants & children, the elderly and all people of vulnerable health. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
Low-Level Carbon Monoxide Protection and TPI Model 780
COSA - Video
TPI is a long time sponsor of this CO education effort.
When does your carbon monoxide alarm? How do you test it? Are you sure it is responding to carbon monoxide in a safe, timely manner? Do you know much about your carbon monoxide alarm? This Classroom Discussion segment does highlight low-level CO protection with one of our supporter's manufactured product while it helps with CO alarm education. (View video)
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Links that may be of use or interest
- Current Data for Atmospheric CO2
- Federal Aviation Administration CO warning
- Carbon monoxide toxicity-Emergency Medicine Ireland
- Carbon Monoxide detection- National Fire Protection Association
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Tribute - George Kerr, a pioneer in smoke and carbon monoxide alarm manufacturing passed away in his home during the early morning of July 4, 2017. George will always be remembered for his passion to save lives and protect the health of people through low level carbon monoxide detection and alarming. He lived for over 84 years, beginning his career in fire safety in 1953.“CITIZENS WILL CONTINUE TO DIE & BECOME SERIOUSLY ILL DAILY!” - “We’ll never know how many lives we’re saving, but I know we are saving a few.” George E. Kerr (1933-2017)
- The World Clock - Time Zones
- Earthquake Map
- Which volcanoes are erupting now? - Volcano Discovery
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- World population counter
- Animal cameras - variety of locations
- American Red Cross
- Heart Rescue using an (AED)
- Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
- U.S. Drought Monitor
- Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive
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.
Mahugh Fire & Safety
Masimo for Pulse CO-Oxymeter
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International