Why the headaches?  Lessons from an Extraordinary Winter!

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Trusted Insight – Volume 26:03

During the prolonged subfreezing temperatures and this past winter, we’ve received an unusual number of requests for air quality assessments due to headaches and nausea among workers in industries ranging from healthcare, education, facilities management and even from private homeowners.  And with boilers and HVAC systems working harder than ever (check your utility bills), the logical concern is to ensure that heat exchangers are functioning properly and that boiler exhausts are not being drawn into buildings to prevent carbon monoxide overexposure.  But this winter we were reminded of another important source of carbon monoxide exposure, and I wanted to share it with our valued customers. 

Did you know that carbon monoxide emissions from snow blowers can be as high as 400 parts per million near exhaust, and as high as 100 parts per million in the 5-foot radius?  This winter, we measured carbon monoxide exposures as high as 50-60 ppm at the operator position during snow blowing.  Workers and homeowners spending hours at a time removing snow have the potential to be exposed to these levels which can result in headache, drowsiness, loss of concentration,  nausea and importantly decreased exercise stamina.  And while carbon monoxide may be metabolized and removed rather quickly (half-life in blood approximately 4 hours) this may result in discomfort, inappropriately attributed to building HVAC systems.   Drivers of snow plows, heavy equipment, tractors and gasoline powered vehicles also have a potential for elevated carbon monoxide exposures.

So my lesson for this winter was to remember the mobile sources of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound exposure when assisting our commercial, healthcare, and residential customers.    

If you have staff who are managing these issues, or suspect that mobile sources may be a source of discomfort, remember to contact Dr. Lynch  to evaluate these issues for you. 

Please contact Dr. Lynch with any questions or if you require further information at 856-764-3557.