Carbon Monoxide the Invisible Killer!
On average each you around a 170 people die from C O (Carbon Monoxide) produced by non-automotive consumer products says the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission. C O is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.
As of January 1, 2013 rental property in California is required to have a C O detector in the home and all residential property is required by law to have a C O detector too when it is sold after January 1, 2013.
What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Ultimately death
How should I install a CO Alarm?
CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.
What should you do when the CO alarm sounds?
Never ignore an alarming CO alarm! It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard.
If the alarm signal sounds do not try to find the source of the CO:
- Immediately move outside to fresh air.
- Call your emergency services, fire department, or 911.
- After calling 911, do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. DO NOT reenter the premises until the emergency services responders have given you permission. You could lose consciousness and die if you go in the home.
Should CO alarms be used in motor homes and other recreational vehicles?
CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO alarms in motor homes and in trailers.
"Do's" for carbon monoxide detector placement:
- Place detectors in or near sleeping areas - where the sound of an alarm will easily wake people up
- Place detectors on each level of a residence
- Place detectors as per manufacturer instructions
- Carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air and over time distributes throughout a room, so a detector can be placed at any height in any acceptable location - preferably at eye level and definitely where the alarm can be easily heard
- For added protection, place a carbon monoxide detector 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) from the furnace as well as other fuel burning sources
- in unheated basements, attics or garages
- in areas of high humidity (bathrooms, showers, laundry areas)
- where they will be exposed to chemical solvents or cleaners, including hair spray, deodorant sprays, etc.
- near vents, flues or chimneys
- within 6 ft (2 meters) of heating and cooking appliances (which can give off a small volume of carbon monoxide when starting up which can trigger false alarms)
- near forced or unforced air ventilation openings
- within 6 ft (2 meters) of corners or areas where natural air circulation is low
- where they can be bumped and damaged
- where directly exposed to weather
"Do nots" for carbon monoxide detector placement:
To avoid damage to the detector and to reduce false alarms, do not place carbon monoxide detectors:
- in unheated basements, attics or garages
- in areas of high humidity (bathrooms, showers, laundry areas)
- where they will be exposed to chemical solvents or cleaners, including hair spray, deodorant sprays, etc.
- near vents, flues or chimneys
- within 6 ft (2 meters) of heating and cooking appliances (which can give off a small volume of carbon monoxide when starting up which can trigger false alarms)
- near forced or unforced air ventilation openings
- within 6 ft (2 meters) of corners or areas where natural air circulation is low
- where they can be bumped and damaged
- where directly exposed to weather
For more information us the link below to go to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission website.
