Carbon Monoxide Levels in Bathrooms Using Hot Water Boilers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to measure carbon monoxide (CO) levels during the operation of hot water boilers that use liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas, which are widely used in Turkey. In addition, it was intended to determine how much owners of these boil ers knew about their use and about CO poisoning. CO levels were measured in the bathrooms of homes in a housing area where two deaths due to CO poisoning had occurred on the same day. CO levels were measured in a total of 197 flats from a total of 400 in an area (49%) where there were such boilers and while the boilers were in operation. The bathrooms were of standard dimen sions (2.5 x 3 x 3 m). Assessment of CO levels while the boilers were in operation was carried out using a Gas- tech standard GT-402 portable gas monitor. In 44 (22.4%) of the bathrooms studied, CO levels were above 9 ppm, which is the 8-hour limit according to the NAAQS. CO levels in 2 bathrooms (0.7%) were found to be above 35 ppm, the maximum 1-hour exposure level. CO levels above 50 ppm, ranging from 54 to 300 ppm, were deter mined in 12 homes (6%). The inhabitants of these homes were informed and the necessary measures were taken to solve the problem. In 8 of these 12 houses, it was determined that chimneys were blocked. We found that CO levels were higher than risk levels for intoxication in 20.0% of the houses. The level of knowledge of the households was poor concerning dangers of CO intoxi cation. Since it is not uncommon for CO levels in bathrooms where there are boilers to reach dangerous levels it is recommended that their use be discouraged. There should be more widespread use of central water heating systems to remove this serious public health problem.