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CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

 WHAT THEY DO, HOW THEY WORK TO PROTECT YOU

 What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?

 Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas which is lighter-than-air.  It is caused by the incomplete combustion (burning) of some type of fuel oil, natural gas, wood, propane, gasoline, coal, or kerosene. This gas enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches itself to the hemoglobin in your blood.  Hemoglobin (red blood cells) is the substance which carries oxygen to the cells in your body.  A compound called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is formed which can act like other common ailments, such as the flu.

 Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, and confusion.  Key things to look for are whether or not others in the home are feeling the same way, and whether you feel better after being away from the house for a period of time.

 If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to see your physician and ask for a carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) test, which is used to measure the percentage of carbon monoxide in the blood.  Your doctor can then prescribe the appropriate treatment to lower and eliminate the COHb from your blood.

 HOW DO CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS WORK?

 Carbon monoxide detectors detect this gas in one of two ways:

 1. The gel-type detector simulates the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the blood.  Concentrations approaching 10% in the blood will sound an alarm.  This type is powered by a battery.  The battery and sensor have a life expectancy of two years and are replaced as a single unit.  The gel sensor takes about 24-72 hours to completely clear out (similar to human blood), so you will need to leave a detector in the fresh air for a day or two in order to prevent a re-activation of the detector.

 2.  The electronic-type detector continuously samples the surrounding air and clears the sensor over short periods of time.  They do not sound an alarm until a present concentration of carbon monoxide has been sustained for a preset time (refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for further information).  This type operates on 120 volts house current and the sensor has a life expectancy of between five and ten years, depending on the brand.

 It is generally a good idea to have one of each type in the home.  The battery-operated model should by located on the sleeping level as it acts the way your blood would.  The electronically-operated model would be best located on the level where your heater, hot water heater, gas dryer, or other major fuel-burning appliances are located.  The detector should be located at least 15 feet away from these appliances in order to avoid false alarms.

What Should I Do If the Detector Goes Off?

 If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and you are not experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, you should ventilate your home (open windows and doors to let in fresh air), turn off any combustion appliances, and call a qualified service technician.

 If you are experiencing symptoms, you should evacuate all residents from the home, go to a neighbor’s and dial 9-1-1.  The fire department has specialized equipment which can measure the level of carbon monoxide in the home.  They will also help to ventilate the home, and advise you to call a service technician or the utility company as soon as possible.  If your symptoms are severe, you may need to be taken to the emergency room for treatment.

 The UL standards which are used for carbon monoxide detectors have recently been revised in order to correct problems with over-sensitivity under some conditions.  All detectors manufactured after October 1, 1995 will meet these new standards.  Please see our Carbon Monoxide newsletter for further information.

 Always dial 9-1-1 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning as this can be fatal in high enough quantities.  Unborn children, infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with cardiovascular (heart) or respiratory (lung) conditions are more susceptible to poisoning at lower levels.

 Something To Keep In Mind

 Remember, smoke detectors will not alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide detectors will not alert you to the presence of a fire.  They are completely different units.  However, the alert device sounds the same for both types of detectors, as the warning horns are the same type.  Always be ready to take proper action if and when an alarm alerts you.  For more information on smoke detectors, please refer to our brochure, “Smoke Detectors, Keeping Watch While You Sleep”.

 Something To Keep In Mind

 Remember, smoke detectors will not alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide detectors will not alert you to the presence of a fire.

They are completely different units. However, the alert device sounds the same for both types of detectors , as the warning horns are the same type. Always be ready to take proper action if and when an alarm alerts you.