Carbon Monoxide Production by Wall-Mounted Gas Water-Heaters Used in Apartments of Arak City, Iran in 2011
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Hassan Solhi , Mohammad Jamalian , Babak Eshrati , Ashkan Talebi , Amir Mohammad Kazemi far 1, Atena Rafieipour |
1- , dr.houshmand@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (13746 Views) |
Background : Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is very common and cause numerous mortalities worldwide. Gas-burning equipments, particularly gas water-heaters are suspected to produce CO. Present study is aimed to evaluate CO production by wall mounted gas water-heaters used at apartments in Arak city of Iran. Methods : 250 apartments were randomly selected and evaluated for characteristics of their water-heaters, and their flues, after consent provided by their owners. CO concentration in various parts of the apartment was measured in 5, 10, and 15 minutes after function of the water heaters. Query of the residents for common symptoms of CO poisoning was performed too. The findings were analyzed by repeated measurement assessment, one-way ANOVA, and T-test. Findings : After action of the gas water-heater, CO concentrations raised progressively in all parts of the apartment. CO concentrations were more than 9 ppm in 21% of the kitchens and bathrooms, and 6% of the bedrooms and halls after 15 minute continuous operation of the gas water-heaters. There were a meaningful rise in CO concentration correlates with years of use of the gas water-heaters in the apartments (p<0.001). Conclusion : Gas water-heaters are potential creators of CO at home. Continuous operation of gas water-heaters progressively produces more CO in the environment. It is especially true if the gas water-heater was old. It is found that gas water-heater working for 15 minutes, produces significant amount of carbon monoxide which in inappropriate air conditioning situation could be stayed for hours. So, more notice should be offered to constant check, monitoring and control of right function of gas water-heaters and proper ventilation of the environment in the home. |
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Keywords: Poisoning, Carbon Monoxide, Water-heater, Mortality, Prevention |
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Type of Article: Research Article |
Subject:
Forensic Medicine Received: 2013/12/28 | Accepted: 2013/12/28 | ePublished: 2013/12/28
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