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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

 

Carbon Monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’. In small doses it is harmful. Heavy exposure can be deadly.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is an extremely poisonous and toxic gas, which by virtue of the fact that it is colourless, tasteless, and odourless; is deadly. Carbon monoxide is produced by the burning of fuels like coal, wood and natural gas with insufficient or limited oxygen, and when the fuels don’t get to burn completely.

Carbon Monoxide can come from a running car, a fireplace, ovens and ranges, and even clothes dryers.

What happens when you inhale Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide adheres to your haemoglobin in your red blood cells about 240 times more than oxygen during normal breathing. As a result the haemoglobin available to bind to oxygen decreases to the extent where the tissues in the body are eventually starved of oxygen.

Before Carbon Monoxide poisoning turns lethal, the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poising are very similar to a cold or flu – mild headaches, nausea, or shortness of breath.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning by installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is a device which is best installed in rooms with fireplaces to detect levels of carbon monoxide present to assist in prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning by measuring carbon monoxide levels and sounding an alarm.

Where should it be installed?

Install your carbon monoxide detector in a room with a fireplace, because carbon monoxide is only slightly lighter than air it is advisable to place the monitor at least 5 feet above the floor. DO NOT place the detector against or directly above your fireplace. Installing your carbon monoxide monitor on the ceiling is also a good idea. Ensure that your monitor is able to deliver a clear loud alarm which will not be confused with another device in your home.

Types of carbon monoxide Detector

  1. High level carbon monoxide detectors which detect high levels of carbon monoxide and are designed to protect you from injury and save lives. These are the most popular type of monitor and are extremely efficient in detecting high levels of carbon monoxide.
  2. Low level carbon monoxide detector. Because carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable low levels frequently go undetected causing long term damage often to the respiratory system. Low level carbon monoxide detectors are more inclined to sound the alarm as they are designed to detect even the smallest amount of carbon monoxide in the air.

How does a Carbon Monoxide Detector work

The carbon monoxide is detected by either a gel coated disc which detects the gas, causing the gel to change colour and sound the alarm. This is called bio mimetic.
Although this device uses more energy and is best plugged in to a power socket it is highly sensitive to carbon monoxide levels. It uses a metal-oxide semi conductor, heated tin-oxide which responds to the presence of carbon monoxide and sounds the alarm.
The third type is classed as electro chemical and are best used in low level monitors as they are extremely sensitive. The carbon monoxide is detected by electrodes submerged in an electrolyte solution, the result of which is generated energy, which in turn sounds the alarm.

What should you do when you Carbon Monoxide detector goes off?

Don’t panic. It is important to stay calm when your detector goes off. Get everyone that is in your house outside for fresh air. The quicker the better in this case. Check everyone for flu-like symptoms, to check for possible poisoning. Call emergency services immediately if anyone is displaying these symptoms.

Do not re-enter your home until the alarm stops, or the authorities deem it safe. Then, contact a professional to check all your fuel-burning appliances to make sure they are working correctly.