A Safety Message on Carbon Monoxide

Precautionary Measures

 

At the beginning of every heating season homeowners should have their fuel burning appliances and heating systems inspected by a qualified service technician. People using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with CO alarms to provide added peace of mind. A CO alarm should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection. Also knowing which CO alarms to choose and knowing how CO alarms function will help maximize security.

 

How does a CO detector work?

 

There are three basic types of CO sensors metal oxide, bio-mimetic, and electrochemical. Note that while there may be performance differences between these technologies, all detectors are tested and approved for their operation. The retail cost of a detector will generally relate to the number of features included and its warranty conditions. There are performance differences between these detector types. However, changes to the CO standards has resulted in all detectors, regardless of detector type, having to undergo extensive testing. All will be certified to operate under different environments (various chemical exposures, different relative humidity, etc.) satisfactorily if they meet the standards. Under the current standards, the bio-mimetic sensors are no longer used.

 

Metal Oxide detector/alarms – The original technology for detecting CO. Heated tin oxide reacts with CO to determine the levels of the toxic gas. Metal Oxide type detectors must be plugged into house current. Alarms of this type may have a battery back-up feature. These units may take several minutes to reset.

 

Electrochemical detector/alarms – A chemical reaction with CO generates an electrical current, setting off the alarm. Unit may be battery operated, plug-in, or both. Electrochemical detector/alarms are highly sensitive and accurate reading at all levels of CO. Some units may have a digital readout and a memory feature. These units reset quickly. CO alarms should be selected with these factors in mind.

 

Health Risks

 

Low levels of CO poisoning can be confused with other illness symptoms and often go undetected for hours. CO poisoning can result in long-term health problems if not recognized and treated promptly. Symptoms which may indicate CO poisoning include; nausea, headaches and light-headedness, especially when more than one person in the home is showing any of these symptoms. Anyone one experiencing symptoms should be examined by a doctor or at a healthcare facility.

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Precautions

 

CO is commonly known as "the silent killer." It is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and therefore, the human senses cannot detect it. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year CO poisoning claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their homes. Carbon Monoxide is a potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters. Follow these guidelines to help keep loved ones safe.

 

• Install at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm near sleeping areas.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home's central heating system and repair leaks or other problems; fireplaces and woodstoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage. Charcoal produces more CO than any other fuel.
• Portable power generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or basement or in any other confined area that can allow CO to collect. Follow usage directions closely.