Carbon monoxide(CO) is a leading cause for the accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Carbon monixide is an odorless, colorless gas and exposure to even low levels of it can be dangerous. This gas is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as kerosene, gas, propane, and oil etc. To warn us from increased levels of carbon monoxide, a carbon monoxide alarm can be used.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the House:
Carbon monoxide is produced by the burning of wood and fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal etc. Furnaces, ovens, water heaters, grills, space heaters –can all be sources of carbon monoxide. The exhaust from vehicles from outside or from the garage can also build up the carbon monoxide levels in the home. Inappropriate ventilation is also responsible for high levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide:
Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, can accumulate in the blood. It forms carboxyhemoglobin and interferes with the oxygen transport ability of the blood. As a result, the body can get oxygen starved and it can lead to dangerous health effects.

Mild exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as headache, sore eyes, shortness of breath etc. which can be similar to the symptoms of flu. High levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion. Eventually this may lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage and death.

Why Should You Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
In spite of precautions to avoid CO poisoning, dangerous incidents can arise and put you and your family at risk. Since CO is a colorless and odorless gas, this makes detection a hard task. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm would be a first step to keep your family safe.

Carbon monoxide alarm contains chemicals or gels, which react to the presence of CO gas. When the CO gas is detected, the alarm goes off alerting you of high CO levels.

Always install the carbon monoxide alarm away from furnaces, ovens, or chimneys. Place it at a place where the alarm can be easily heard.

If your carbon monoxide alarm rings, immediately evaucuate the house. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of flu, call 911 for assistance. If possible, try to turn off the source of CO. If the source is not detected, call a technician who would be able to detect and put off the source of carbon monoxide.