CO2, My Story and HOME

My Family’s Relationship with Carbon Monoxide 

In 2006 we built a new home with radiant flooring, heated by a nice energy-efficient propane boiler. Though CO2 detectors were not required at that time, we installed double the amount needed. Why? Nine months prior, our good friends’ 22 year-old daughter had been killed by the deadly gas. The heating system in her apartment at college had a leak. That tragic day 14 years ago led her parents and friends to seek changes in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. We have them to thank for the requirements of all new construction, rentals, and resale homes to be equipped with CO2 detectors.

Fast forward to moving into our new home in 2007. When we began feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and exhaustion, we felt certain that it could not be related to CO2 poisoning because our monitors worked when tested. Next, we tested materials in the home for mold and finally took antibiotics. One doesn’t think clearly with brain fog. After two months of lethargy, we decided to have the heating system and boiler inspected. With an easy test, one gasket out of five had never been sealed when the home was constructed and a very small amount of CO2 was leaking into the home with each boiler ignition. Our CO2 monitors never detected any.

Once healed the research began! We learned that the monitors you purchase at big box stores detect 70 parts per million. This is good and would wake you if sleeping, indicating you should seek fresh air immediately. Our leak was determined to be much smaller, 20-30 parts per million; therefore, it would never register. It had been the slow exposure over a longer period of time that caused our illness. We were fortunate that after about 4 months, we made a full recovery.

What You Can Do

Service your gas ignited appliances, water heaters, and furnaces annually. Small leaks can make you sick so beware. Even if you have no gas to your home, wood burning in the home counts. Going to stay in a VRBO or AirBnB? Take note and know the local regulations. Don’t hesitate to test them to see that they are working!

Thanks to those who have lost loved ones and sought to make changes, many states have the same requirements.

I’ve attached the guidelines for Washington here. If you’re interested in reading further about carbon monoxide, here is a helpful article from John Hopkins. Finally, if you find the time, please consider watching a short video with Scott Harrison, the founder of Charity Water, and his life-changing story as it relates to CO2.