Carbon monoxide: a hazard to fire fighters.

Carbon monoxide levels were measured in twenty-five fires in the city of Los Angeles to obtain information about fire fighters exposure to carbon monoxide. Levels as high as 3,000 ppm were observed for some fires. In general, when carbon monoxide levels were significantly elevated (greater than 100 ppm) the smoke was quite heavy and noxious, but in some cases the smoke was heavy and carbon monoxide levels were minimal. In two-story structures, the highest concentrations of carbon monoxide were found on the second-floor level and were usually still elevated after the fire had been "knocked down" but was still smoldering. These data show that fire fighters are exposed to levels of carbon monoxide which could be a serious health hazard and may be related to the high incidence of heart disease in fire fighters.