Carbon Monoxide

Reference Levels

Carbon Monoxide molecule

CO Molecule

  • .5 - 5 ppm: typical range in homes with no gas stoves

  • 5 - 15 ppm: typical range in homes with gas stoves

  • 1-70Ìýppm:ÌýProlonged exposure to this range typically does not cause symptoms in healthy people

  • > 70 ppm:Ìý Symptoms of CO poisoning will begin to appear in healthy people

  • > 150 - 200 ppm: Dangerous levels of CO exposure

CO

This pollutant is produced byÌýthe incomplete (non-ideal) burning of fuels such as natural gas, coal, wood, gasoline, etc.Ìý Common sources of carbon monoxide are unvented gas space heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, generators, gasoline-powered equipment, including automobiles.Ìý In particular, dangerous sources can be old or poorly functioning combustion devices.Ìý In high enoughÌýquantities, this pollutant can pose immediate threats to human health and life.

Sources:Ìý