CO Detectors
Carbon
monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced
during incomplete burning of fuel - Natural Gas, Oil, Coal, Wood, Kerosene, etc.
If you are suffering from
chronic flu-like symptoms, see your doctor and ask him if it could be a
low-level CO poisoning.
If you have a CO
detector, and it alarms, open windows and ventilate your home w/ fresh air, call
911 and have your heating system checked by a professional.
If your alarm sounds and
you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, leave the house and call 911 from your
neighbors home. You may need medical attention for CO poisoning.
PLACEMENT OF
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS IMPORTANT
Proper placement of a
carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon
monoxide detector, it should be located near the sleeping area, where it can
wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every
bedroom of a home provides extra protection.
Homeowners should
remember not to install co detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning
appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of co upon start-up. A
detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking
appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.
When considering where to
place a detector, keep in mind that although co is roughly the same weight as
air, it may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as
home heating equipment. If this is the case, co will rise with the warmer air.
What Are Some Health Effects Of CO Poisoning?
- respiratory ailments
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- nausea
- drowsiness
- sleep disorders
- confusion
- lack of judgement
- fatigue
- dizziness
- light-headedness
- fainting
- unconsciousness
- and death
