What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can't
see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it's there.
Today's energy-efficient, Air-tight homes contribute to the problem by trapping
CO-polluted air inside the home. Many municipalities across the country have
adopted codes requiring CO alarms. This number is growing annually.
Why is carbon monoxide
so dangerous?
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the
bloodstream. CO is breathed in through the lungs and bonds with hemoglobin in
your blood, displacing the oxygen which cells need to function. When CO is
present in the air, it rapidly accumulates in the blood. Severe exposure can
eventually displace enough oxygen in your system to suffocate you from the
inside out, resulting in brain damage or death.
Where does carbon
monoxide occur?
CO is a common by-product of fuel burning appliances. It can be emitted by
sources including gas or oil furnaces, gas clothes dryers, water heaters,
fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges and space heaters. A
clogged chimney, improper venting and attached garages can also cause problems.
Where should I install
carbon monoxide alarms?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least one CO
alarm should be installed near a home's sleeping area. It is important that all
residents would hear the alarm -and be awakened-if the alarm sounds at night.
Additional alarms on other levels add an extra measure of safety. If you install
a CO alarm in the vicinity of a furnace (or other fuel-burning heat source) try
to maintain a 15-20 foot distance between the appliance and the CO alarm to
minimize "nuisance" alarms.
Who is at risk for
carbon monoxide poisoning?
Everyone is at risk. Experts believe that vulnerability to CO poisoning
increases for unborn babies, infants, senior citizens and people with coronary
or respiratory problems. These people are considered to be at greatest risk.