| What should I look for when purchasing a CO detector? Top | ||
| Here are some features that you should look for in a CO detector: | ||
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UL approved | |
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Easy to install and test | |
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110 volt with battery backup | |
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Warranty for sensor & electronics | |
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Sensor measures only CO | |
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Audible alarm | |
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Minimum maintenance | |
| The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible. |
| What do I do if my Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off? Top |
| Get everyone, including yourself out of the house. |
| If anyone is feeling ill, acting strange or unconscious Call 911 immediately. |
| Call your local gas company or fire department and tell them you have a carbon monoxide alarm. |
| What can I do to protect our family? Top |
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Medical studies have shown a high
percentage of the population is particularly vulnerable to CO,
especially low levels over a long period of time. This
high-risk group includes fetuses, children, the elderly, and
those with heart and lung disorders. When inhaled, CO combines
with hemoglobin in red blood cells to form substances that
work to decrease oxygen levels and eventually asphyxiate the
victim. The awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide
combined with the use of CO detectors in the home will
dramatically reduce the incidents of tragic deaths and
illnesses that result from CO leaks. It is recommended that at least one CO detector be installed near the sleeping area of your home. Additional detectors are advised for the common living areas of the home or installed near (but not directly over) other emission sources such as heating appliances. However, detectors should not be located near a bathroom where humidity from a shower may affect its operation. |
| What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? | ||
| The symptoms of CO poisoning often imitate those of common illnesses such as the flu. Victims of low level CO poisoning often experience the following symptoms: | ||
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Mild headaches | |
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Drowsiness | |
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Shortage of breath | |
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Dizzy spells | |
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Nausea | |
| At higher levels CO poisoning can cause: | ||
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Severe headaches | |
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Impaired vision/hearing | |
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Mental confusion | |
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Loss of consciousness | |
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Fatigue | |
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Vomiting | |
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Coma | |
| Severe CO poisoning can cause: | ||
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Irregular heartbeat | |
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Coma | |
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Amnesia | |
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Brain damage | |
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Death | |
| What is Carbon Monoxide? |
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas
produced by incomplete burning of any fuel. When inhaled, CO
displaces oxygen in the victims' blood, resulting in serious
illness, even death. Since CO is completely invisible,
colorless, odorless, and tasteless, many people have no idea
that they are being poisoned until it is too late. For this
reason, CO is often called "The Silent Killer". The
airtight design in today's modern energy efficient homes can
contribute to the problem by confining CO contaminated air
within your home. CO is a common by-product of vehicle exhaust, improperly vented fireplaces, grills, wood stoves and appliances that run on fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, ovens, stove burners, and portable heaters. Appliances should always be checked to ensure that they are in good working order and properly ventilated by a qualified professional. |
| Here are some facts and common questions frequently asked about Carbon Monoxide detectors and the answers to those questions. |
| What is Carbon Monoxide? |
| What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? |
| What can I do to protect our family? |
| What should I look for when purchasing a CO detector? |
| What do I do if my Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off? |
| What CO level is dangerous to your health? |
