Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide detectors can no doubt save your life. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can make you ill and even cause death in some cases. It always pays to be prepared. However, detectors can also be sensitive and give false warning, especially as temperatures drop below freezing. Below you will find a list of warning signs that may indicate CO poisoning. You will also find tips on how to find and fix troublesome detectors.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Dull headache.
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Confusion.
- Blurred vision.
- Loss of consciousness.
If you are suffering from these symptoms your should get medical attention. One tell tell sign of CO poisoning is patients will feel these symptoms at home, but they feel better while they are away. Symptoms return again once re-entering the house. Please do not delay getting medical attention if you are suffering from these symptoms.
Common causes of increased levels of CO:
Carbon Monoxide is cause by incomplete combustion. It is usually produced by something in your home burning, or not burning properly. This can include gas appliances like stoves, water heaters, dryers, and furnaces. It can also be cause by the exhaust fumes from a car. Utility room, kitchens, and garages are all good locations to have CO detectors. As well as outside sleeping areas.
My CO Detector is sounding but I feel fine:
Is your alarm sounding, or beeping? If your CO alarm is sounding, giving a constant audible alarm, then is it probably working properly. The symptoms from CO poisoning can take awhile to set in. If your alarm starts sounding there are likely increased CO levels in your home that have yet to cause illness. In this case you should call 911, or call your local fire department.
However, CO detectors communicate more than just alarms. They will also beep and cheap in different sequences if batteries and low or if the detector is approaching the end of its intended life. Sequences differ between manufactures so please refer to the user manual.
More Information:
For more information on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning or about CO detectors in general please visit the links below.