Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are becoming common in homes
around the country, as more people are aware of just how dangerous this
colorless and odorless gas is. In fact, some modern smoke detectors are
now capable of detecting excessive CO levels as well as smoke.
Many don't even know what carbon monoxide is, so it's no surprise a decent amount of folks don't take any extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from exposure. The reality is: most homes have multiple CO producing sources like gas heaters, generators, and furnaces, which is why approximately 15,000 people are treated for carbon monoxide poising in the U.S. alone each year, while as many as 500 people die annually from exposure.
The fact that CO is colorless and odorless is really what makes it so dangerous, as those being exposed often can't sense the danger around them. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eventual loss of consciousness which often leads to death. Obviously the above symptoms can easily be attributed to other illnesses which is why a lot of people who are exposed don't realize just how much danger they are in.
Without a basic carbon monoxide detector or some other high-tech device, it's literally impossible to tell if the CO levels in a home are high enough to be a threat to the inhabitants.
CO is a regular by-product of many household devices like gas stove tops, clothes dryers, fireplaces, ovens, and space heaters. When these devices are functioning properly, the poisonous gas is often ventilated outside the home. However, as we all know, these devices can and occasionally do malfunction, and all it takes is a small leak to expose a domicile to dangerous levels of CO.
Fortunately, carbon monoxide detectors are readily available, and it's a smart move to have a few installed in your home. There's nothing scarier than something that can kill, yet is extremely hard to detect, but having a few alarms properly installed around a home will ensure the inhabitants don't have to worry about being exposed to the dangerous gas.
Carbon monoxide detectors that meet the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard or current UL standard 2034 are typically recommended.
Much like a smoke detector, with a carbon monoxide detector, a loud warning will alert inhabitants that the home is being exposed to dangerous levels of CO, giving them ample time to evacuate the home, and alert the authorities.
In most cases, they'll be able to figure out what the problem appliances is and ventilate the domicile, making it safe to return. Sure sounds a lot better than a visit to the hospital or worse.
Many don't even know what carbon monoxide is, so it's no surprise a decent amount of folks don't take any extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from exposure. The reality is: most homes have multiple CO producing sources like gas heaters, generators, and furnaces, which is why approximately 15,000 people are treated for carbon monoxide poising in the U.S. alone each year, while as many as 500 people die annually from exposure.
The fact that CO is colorless and odorless is really what makes it so dangerous, as those being exposed often can't sense the danger around them. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eventual loss of consciousness which often leads to death. Obviously the above symptoms can easily be attributed to other illnesses which is why a lot of people who are exposed don't realize just how much danger they are in.
Without a basic carbon monoxide detector or some other high-tech device, it's literally impossible to tell if the CO levels in a home are high enough to be a threat to the inhabitants.
CO is a regular by-product of many household devices like gas stove tops, clothes dryers, fireplaces, ovens, and space heaters. When these devices are functioning properly, the poisonous gas is often ventilated outside the home. However, as we all know, these devices can and occasionally do malfunction, and all it takes is a small leak to expose a domicile to dangerous levels of CO.
Fortunately, carbon monoxide detectors are readily available, and it's a smart move to have a few installed in your home. There's nothing scarier than something that can kill, yet is extremely hard to detect, but having a few alarms properly installed around a home will ensure the inhabitants don't have to worry about being exposed to the dangerous gas.
Carbon monoxide detectors that meet the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard or current UL standard 2034 are typically recommended.
Much like a smoke detector, with a carbon monoxide detector, a loud warning will alert inhabitants that the home is being exposed to dangerous levels of CO, giving them ample time to evacuate the home, and alert the authorities.
In most cases, they'll be able to figure out what the problem appliances is and ventilate the domicile, making it safe to return. Sure sounds a lot better than a visit to the hospital or worse.
Eric Larsen was a professional fire fighter for over 20 years.
Now he works as a fire safety consultant, educator, and writer. From
large industrial fire suppression systems to in-home smoke detectors and
fire extinguishers, his expertise is hard to match. Read more from Eric
Larsen and see what fire safety products he recommends at http://www.firstfireextinguishers.com/.
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