How To Use Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Colorless, tasteless and odorless, carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, invisible and deadly poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning, associated with using fuel-burning products, kills more than 200 people in the US each year. Most households contain at least one of these possible sources: boilers, heaters, gas ovens and hobs, gas heaters and fireplaces. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - headache, fatigue, dizziness, chest pains, can easily be explained away by other causes. For this reason, carbon monoxide detectors can be a lifesaver.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that homes should have carbon monoxide detectors that meets the requirements of the (UL) 2034 standard. This states that alarms must sound a warning before carbon monoxide levels reach 100 parts per million over 90 minutes, 200 parts per million over 35 minutes or 400 parts per million over 15 minutes. This would give an average, healthy adult time to feel the effects and evacuate the premises.

There are many different carbon monoxide detectors on the market, ranging in price and sophistication. They can be visual, like a spot that changes color, or audible, like an alarm. Examples are battery or mains operated alarms, alarms combined with smoke detectors, or even alarm clocks, which can also be taken with you on vacation.

Correct placement of carbon monoxide detectors is critical. If you are only have one, place it where you will wake up if asleep. Because carbon monoxide will rise with warmer air, it is also a good idea to fix it on the ceiling. Since fuel-burning appliances emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up, you must not position your carbon monoxide detector within five meters of them, nor should they be placed in humid areas, as humidity can interfere with their function.