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What is Carbon Monoxide?
 | Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Each carbon
monoxide molecule is composed of a single carbon atom bonded to a single
oxygen atom. Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of
fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural
gas, and oil. |
Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?
| Carbon monoxide is present in low levels in the air. In the home, it
is formed from incomplete combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not
electric) device, including ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces,
fireplaces, grills, space heaters, vehicles, and water heaters. Furnaces
and water heaters may be sources of carbon monoxide, but if they are
vented properly the carbon monoxide will escape to the outside. Open
flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the most common source of
carbon monoxide. Vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide
poisoning. |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Aren't Like Smoke Detectors!
| According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon
monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in
America. Carbon monoxide detectors are available, but you need to
understand how they work and what their limitations are in order to decide
whether or not you need a detector and, if you purchase a detector, how to
use it to get the best protection. |
How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?
| Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of
carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide can harm you if you are exposed
to high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time, or to lower
levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time. Carbon monoxide
detectors require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off then
the alarm becomes ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up
battery power. |
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
| When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it passes from the lungs into the
hemoglobin molecules of red blood cells. Carbon monoxide binds to
hemoglobin at the same site as and preferentially to oxygen, forming
carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin interferes with the oxygen transport
and gas exchange abilities of red blood cells. The result is that the body
becomes oxygen-starved, which can result in tissue damage and death. Low
levels of carbon monoxide poisoning cause symptoms similar to those of the
flu or a cold, including shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild
headaches, and nausea. Higher levels of poisoning lead to dizziness,
mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, and fainting on mild exertion.
Ultimately, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in unconsciousness,
permanent brain damage, and death. Carbon monoxide detectors are set to
sound an alarm before the exposure to carbon monoxide would present a
hazard to a healthy adult. Babies, children, pregnant women, people with
circulatory or respiratory ailments, and the elderly are more sensitive to
carbon monoxide than healthy adults. |
Where Should I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
| Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because
it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a
wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the
ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or
flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and
children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If your getting a single
carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain
the alarm is loud enough to wake you up. |
What Do I Do if the Alarm Sounds?
| Don't ignore the alarm! It is intended to go off before you are
experiencing symptoms. Silence the alarm, get all members of the household
to fresh air, and ask whether anyone is experiencing any of the symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning, call 911. If no one has symptoms, ventilate the
building, identify and remedy the source of the carbon monoxide before
returning inside, and have appliances or chimneys checked by a
professional as soon as possible. |
How Often Should I test my detectors?
| It is good practice to to test all detectors at least once a month. |
How Often Should I Replace The Batteries?
| It is good practice to change the batteries twice a year at the time
changes. In the Spring & again in the fall. |
Additional Carbon Monoxide Concerns and Information:
| Don't automatically assume that you need or don't need a carbon
monoxide detector. Also, don't assume that you are safe from carbon
monoxide poisoning just because you have a detector installed. Carbon
monoxide detectors are intended to protect healthy adults, so take the
ages and health of family members into account when assessing the
effectiveness of a detector. Also, be aware that the average life span of
many carbon monoxide detectors is about 2 years. The 'test' feature on
many detectors checks the functioning of the alarm and not the status of
the detector. There are detectors that last longer, indicate when they
need to be replaced, and have power supply backups -- you need to check to
see whether a particular model has the features you require. When deciding
whether or not to purchase a carbon monoxide detector, you need to
consider not only the number and type of carbon monoxide sources, but also
the construction of the building. Newer building may have more airtight
construction and may be better insulated, which make it easier for carbon
monoxide to accumulate.
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