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stevehull · 03-28-13, 07:28 AM

You are correct, carbon monoxide (CO) is by FAR more of a danger than carbon dioxide (CO2).

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with 200 times the strength (affinity) of oxygen. It binds in the same place as oxygen and the red blood cells turn pink, just like they do when supplied with oxygen.

But no oxygen is transported and delivered to the brain. So even if oxygen is given by mask, it takes time (hours) to displace the carbon monoxide. And the brain does not have that time (minutes). Emergency treatment is use of an oxygen hyperbaric chamber - but how many of those are at our local hospitals?

If ANY appliance uses combustion, even if out in the garage, then the home needs a CO monitor.

Steve

ps - thanks for your note as this is REALLY important

03-28-13, 07:28 AM	#79
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	You are correct, carbon monoxide (CO) is by FAR more of a danger than carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with 200 times the strength (affinity) of oxygen. It binds in the same place as oxygen and the red blood cells turn pink, just like they do when supplied with oxygen. But no oxygen is transported and delivered to the brain. So even if oxygen is given by mask, it takes time (hours) to displace the carbon monoxide. And the brain does not have that time (minutes). Emergency treatment is use of an oxygen hyperbaric chamber - but how many of those are at our local hospitals? If ANY appliance uses combustion, even if out in the garage, then the home needs a CO monitor. Steve ps - thanks for your note as this is REALLY important __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990