A Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts You to Dangers That Are Otherwise Invisible

A carbon monoxide detector alerts you to dangers that are otherwise invisible, making them an essential safety device in your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can build up to toxic levels in confined spaces. It is produced by burning fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, stoves and fireplaces, kerosene heaters, lawn mowers and portable generators, and can seep into houses from vents and flues that are blocked or broken.

CO is a deadly poison because it bonds with hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in blood, to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). When inhaled, CO combines with oxygen in the brain and heart, causing the body to suffocate. Detectors can detect CO at 70 parts per million and sound their alarm before symptoms like headache, nausea or loss of consciousness take hold. There are different types of detectors, and each one uses its own method to measure CO concentrations.

How to Select a Reliable Carbon Monoxide Detector

Most detectors feature an audible signal that sounds when the concentration of CO exceeds a preset level. Some have a digital display that shows the current concentration and the peak concentration that the detector has measured over a period of time. The display can be helpful to homeowners and emergency personnel in determining the source of the CO exposure or poisoning.

It is recommended that homes install a CO detector in each bedroom and within 10 feet of the garage door. The detectors should be placed away from any open flames, such as fireplaces and wood burning stoves. The detectors should also be away from direct sunlight and humidity, which can affect the sensors.