The number one cause of poisoning deaths in the US is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The colorless, odorless gas is produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces that are not properly vented. The only way to prevent CO from building up to dangerous levels is with working CO detectors.
Fortunately, CO detectors are affordable and easy to install, and they can save lives. Many building codes require them in new homes, and industry experts recommend installing at least one on each level of a home, near bedrooms.
Why Every Home Needs a Carbon Monoxide Detector: Safety First
Carbon Monoxide Detector uses either a sensor that reacts with the chemical to change color, or electrochemical cells that detect CO’s effects on hemoglobin in your blood and trigger an alarm when concentrations become unsafe. Most detectors sound an audible alarm when they sense a dangerous amount of CO, and some also provide a digital display of the current concentration in parts per million.
If your CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outside your home and call the fire department for assistance. The fire department can verify the presence of CO and help you find and service the source. To prevent future problems, have your furnace, stoves, fireplaces, and venting system professionally inspected annually. In addition, you should never run an internal combustion engine in a garage or indoors, and you should periodically have chimneys swept to remove creosote build-up. Lastly, CO can also be emitted by portable generators, which should always be operated outdoors.