Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide, a colorless odorless gas that appears to be harmless is in reality a highly poisonous substance that has several toxic effects. Reports from the American medical association suggest that a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America is carbon monoxide poisoning. To find a way out of this situation, a carbon monoxide detector can help. Proper understanding of the working of a carbon monoxide detector and its limitations can go a long way in helping us to remain protected from the fatal effects produced by this toxic substance.

Carbon monoxide is often the result of an incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. In houses, flame fueled devices like ovens, grills, heaters, furnaces and even vehicles can emit carbon monoxide. To a great extent such emission can be controlled by providing a proper vent. A carbon monoxide detector can prevent the gas from reaching potentially life threatening levels. The working of this devoice is simple and easily understandable. Based on the accumulation of carbon monoxide overtime, the device triggers an alarm.

The ideal position to place a carbon monoxide detector would be on a wall 5 feet high above the floor or on the ceiling. Be cautious not to place this device near a fire place or any such flame producing device. It is ideal to use a separate detector on each floor. In case a single carbon monoxide detector is being used, do take care to place it near the sleeping area and keep the alarm loud enough to wake you up whenever the gas levels rise above normal.

Carbon monoxide detectors are designed in such a way that the alarm goes off prior to the experience of symptoms. 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. As soon as the alarm goes off, act immediately and ventilate the area or evacuate the site right away.

All said and done, just installing a carbon monoxide detector does not in away guarantee complete protection or safety from carbon monoxide gas. Effectiveness of a detector should be analyzed well before installing one. The average life span of a normal carbon monoxide detector is just about 2 years. The best detectors are those that come with power supply backups, with indication on replacements. To ensure the efficiency of a detector can be checked with the test feature provided. But in most cases, this feature does not prove to be helpful. Check to see whether a particular model has the features you require.