2006-12-27 05:49:36 · 10 answers · asked by Laguna Tim 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Almost any hydrocarbon or even carbon burned in the absence of sufficient oxygen will result in the partially oxidized form of carbon monoxide (C= +2) rather than the fully oxidized form of carbon dioxide (C= +4). Heaters using natural gas, oil or even coal can form carbon monoxide. It is a good idea to have a CO detector near your bedroom so that if the level gets too high that you will be warned. Symptoms of CO poisoning are a lot like flu, headache, nausea, fatigue etc.
2006-12-27 05:57:05 · answer #1 · answered by docrider28 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Carbon monoxide will form anytime there is incomplete combustion. It does not matter what the fuel is. It only matters that there is sufficient oxygen present at the moment when the fuel reacts with the oxygen in the air. Excess oxygen equals carbon dioxide and water vapor. Insufficient oxygen equals carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water vapor. Note that the phrase "the moment when" above is key. You could have a space heater that was functioning without forming CO, have an air inlet partially blocked, form CO while blocked, clear the block a few minutes later and still die. There simply is no safe heater that vents exhaust gases directly into the air of the room being heated. In a tightly closed room the oxygen level will drop as time goes on increasing the probability of CO formation.
As an aside about 15 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the Seattle area following the windstorm 14 days ago. This was five times as many that were directly killed by the storm itself.
2006-12-27 06:08:15 · answer #2 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a natural gas fired space heater will product Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of (incomplete) combustion of fossil fuels. Natural gas IS a fossil fuel.
2006-12-27 08:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by Ray D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, with a poor supply of oxygen (e.g. inadequate ventilation) burning of simple fuels containing carbon (such as natural gas) can produce carbon monoxide.
2006-12-27 07:09:29 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Bob UK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!
Whenever you burn any fossil fuel or carbon-containing material there is the possbility of producing carbon monoxide. That includes naturlal gas, propane, kerosne, gasoline, wood, fuel oil, etc.
2006-12-27 05:56:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why not. It is the product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds.
Definitely get it checked out first - if it's not working properly then it's possible that it may be producing CO
2006-12-27 05:55:59 · answer #6 · answered by leejcole 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can. Every time I would go visit my parents with their space heater on I ended up with a headache!
Yes yes yes! It's so dangerous it could cause a fire if a spark happened.
2006-12-27 06:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by Momwithaheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it can you need a carbon monoxide detector it is very dangerous
2006-12-27 05:53:37 · answer #8 · answered by Waynes Angel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just from oil fired units
2006-12-27 05:54:28 · answer #9 · answered by Lilla L 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Docrider's got it nailed
2006-12-27 07:07:11 · answer #10 · answered by Chad P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋