Washington, Oct 7 (Inditop.com) A diesel-powered, portable genset, switched on during power breakdowns at home can emit 100 times greater quantity of carbon monoxide (CO) than a car exhaust.
New research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shows that to prevent potentially dangerous levels of CO, which is colourless and odourless, users may need to place generators 25 feet from home.
Up to half of the incidents of non-fatal CO poisoning reported in the 2004 and 2005 power breakdowns, following hurricane seasons, involved generators run within seven feet of the home, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CO can enter a house through a number of airflow paths, such as a door or window left open to accommodate the extension cord that brings power from the generator into the house.
While some guidance recommends 10 feet from open windows as a safe operating distance, NIST researcher Steven Emmerich says the “safe” operating distance depends on the house, the weather conditions and the unit.
A generator’s CO output is usually higher than an automobile’s because most generators do not have the sophisticated emission controls that cars do, says a NIST release.
“People need to be aware that generators are potentially deadly and they need to educate themselves on proper use,” Emmerich says. With funding from CDC, NIST researchers are gathering reliable data to support future CDC guidance.
