Why do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

What is Carbon Monoxide gas?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is a by-product of burning. It exists almost everywhere we go in a modern city. For example, CO can come from

• internal combustion engines
• cigarettes
• the furnace or fireplace
• any other process that produces fire

In most cases the CO is quickly absorbed into the atmosphere. From there it eventually separates back into its base elements and disappears. However, CO becomes dangerous when it is trapped in a building and accumulates to the point where it poses a health risk to the people inside. It does its damage by attaching itself to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, making it harder for the hemoglobin to absorb oxygen.

Why do I need a CO detector?

If levels of CO increase, the body will eventually suffocate. The detector warns us that CO levels are rising. We need it for two important reasons.

First, CO has no smell or color. Long after the smoke of a vehicle exhaust has disappeared, the CO that came with it may still be hanging in the air.

Second, CO deprives the brain of oxygen. Even in small amounts, it can impair normal thought functions that ordinarily warn us of danger. Instead of a feeling of danger that usually comes with being poisoned, CO poisoning can give us a false sense of security. For both of these reasons, a timely warning may be the difference between life and death.

If you are considering CO detectors, please think about putting one in other buildings where there may be combustion (burning). Holiday trailers, small workshops and garages may be at as great a risk as your home.

What if my CO detector rings?

If your CO detector does ring, the first thing to do is to contact the fire department. Next, open windows to allow a good cross breeze. Then, leave the building for awhile. Your body will use the fresh air outside, and will expel the CO from your system in time. The amount of time your body will need to expel the CO completely depends on many factors. Either way, see your doctor if you have been exposed.

Inside the building, the CO detector will stop ringing when CO levels return to near zero. But unless you can solve the problem that caused the alarm to ring in the first place, CO levels could go up again.

The detector gives you warning. It's up to you to fix the problem.

Last Modified Date: March 2004