Carbon monoxide generation, dispersion and exposure from indoor operation of gasoline-powered electric generators under actual weather conditions

Gasoline-powered electric generators are widely used during power outages such as those caused by hurricanes and winter storms. Based on currently available data, about 95% of generator-related carbon monoxide (CO) fatalities were associated with operating carbureted, spark-ignited and gasoline-powered generators in enclosed spaces. To investigate the indoor CO exposure associated with running a generator indoors, the generation of CO was measured from a generator in an enclosed shed. Correlations of CO generation and O2 consumption rates were developed as functions of O2 level and actual generator load output. An indoor air quality and ventilation model was then used to predict the air change rates and CO levels in the shed, which were then compared with measured values. This study also used the simulation model to calculate CO generation and dispersion, and occupant exposures to CO, with a generator running in the garage of a house during weather conditions consistent with the days after Hurricane Katrina in the summer of 2005. For the simulation conditions, it was found that the resultant CO could reach dangerous levels in most rooms of the house about 2 h after the generator started.

► We measure CO generations for indoor use of generators in real weather conditions.
► We predict the CO dispersion and occupant exposure in multi-zone spaces.
► Large amounts of CO can be produced and disperse quickly indoors.
► A dangerous level can be reached in occupied space within a short period of time.