Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) emissions causes headache, nausea, fatigue, and death at high doses. CO can be especially hazardous in rural Alaskan homes that are often small (less than 800 square feet) and tightly insulated to conserve heat. Gas ranges are a common source of CO when they are converted from natural gas to propane use by the consumer or by retailers (natural gas is not available in rural Alaska). I conducted CO emissions testing at 32 homes in two villages in Interior Alaska. At each home the background CO level was recorded, the oven range was turned on, adjustments to the air and gas mixture were made, and a second reading recorded. Operating CO concentrations from propane oven ranges, taken at the vent into the home, ranged from 6 PPM to 800 PPM and averaged 99 PPM. CO levels should be no greater than 9 PPM in the home environment. Repairs decreased the average to 35 PPM. Five ranges had not been converted. Surprisingly, even in 22 properly converted oven ranges, the emissions were high. The study yields three recommendations. Consumers who use propane ranges should use a CO alarm with a digital readout to warn when CO levels in the living areas reach unsafe levels. Retailers in major cities in Alaska need to be aware of the need for propane-ready ranges in rural areas. Manufacturers of ranges should investigate alternatives for venting to prevent high concentrations of CO from entering the living space.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Native and Indigenous Populations, Indoor Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.