Carbon Monoxide from Furnace Sends Two to Hospital
Incident Investigation
Carbon Monoxide from Furnace Sends Two to Hospital
February 8, 2023
Gas
Reference Number:
II-1507023-2023(#31672)
Location: Abbotsford, BC
Regulated industry sector: Gas – Natural gas system
Incident Overview
Two occupants in a residential home were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and sent to the hospital as one occupant lost consciousness. It was found that the manifold gas pressure on their 54 year-old furnace was set at higher than the maximum allowable pressure specified by the manufacturer. Incomplete combustion produced high levels of CO. Interior building layout, blower fan operation, and openings in the return air ducting caused back-drafting and recirculation of the furnace’s flue gasses containing CO to spread throughout the home.