Carbon Monoxide Alarm - A Real Lifesaver

Did you know it carbon monoxide is also known as “the silent killer“? According to numerous statistics carbon monoxide poisoning causes thousands of deaths each year. Because it is almost impossible to detect it, unless you use a technology device like a carbon monoxide alarm. This toxic gas is colorless, odourless, tasteless and therefore virtually not in your power to discover it since you do not no it is even there and harming you and your family. But this is were a carbon monoxide comes in handy. It is a device with one purpose only: to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas and to alarm you so that carbon monoxide poisoning could be prevented.

Any exposure to carbon monoxide could have severe consequences, depending on the length of the exposure and concentration of carbon monoxide. Signs of low exposure to carbon monoxide start with headache, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms similar to a flu. If you inhaled high levels of carbon monoxide you can experience dizziness, fast heart rate, hallucinations, seizures, unconsciousness, respiratory arrest and all signs related to heart and central nervous systems. And a simple installation of a carbon monoxide alarm could prevent all that.

A carbon monoxide alarm costs anywhere from $20 to $60 and is available worldwide. It runs on batteries or is AC powered, with or without a backup battery. As the technology advanced, now the battery lifespan is around 6 years. All carbon monoxide detectors like all smoke detectors have a „test button“. A carbon monoxide alarm can be installed near the ceiling or near the floor since carbon monoxide is close to the same density as air. Majority of manufacturers tell you where you should place their carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is about the same weight as air and allocates evenly through the room so the alarm can be installed at any height and any space. As long as you can hear the alarm sound.To prevent false alarms do not install carbon monoxide alarm:

• in places of high levels of humidity

• near vents and chimneys

• within 6 feet (2 meters) from cooking and heating appliances

• where they are directly exposed to the weather

• basements, garages and attic which are not heated

• near hair sprays, deodorant sprays and other chemical solvents and cleaners.

1. Metal-oxide-semi-conductor (MOS)

This one represents an original technology for discovering carbon monoxide. Heated tin oxide reacts with carbon monoxide to determine the concentration of the toxic gas. You do not have to check if the batteries are still working because units are connected the the home power. But you also have the option of getting a carbon monoxide alarm which provides a 20 hour battery backup.

2. Biomimetic carbon monoxide alarm

This type is cheaper and can be battery powered. A biomimetic sensor operates with some form of synthetic hemoglobin which in direct contact to carbon monoxide darkens and the color change alerts the alarm. The alarm itself lasts about 10 years, and the battery around 2-3 years.

3. Electrochemical carbon monoxide alarm

This one produces an electrical current in a chemical reaction to carbon monoxide that activates the alarm. This type is extremely sensitive and provides with accurate carbon monoxide readings. It represents most used technology in Europe and America to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. You do not have to worry about anything, because the alarm makes a sound when the sensors need to be replaced. Most models have digital readout and memory feature which allows you to verify previously recorded carbon monoxide levels.

In North America some states like New York,  New Jersey, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Rhode Island and so on have statues that represent an obligation  for installing carbon monoxide alarm in construction. Carbon monoxide is produced by combustion of fossil fuels. When fuel-burning equipment is installed and maintained in right manners, it produces very little carbon monoxide and it is being vented to the outside. But if something stands in the way of the venting process, the presence of this toxic gas can rise to dangerous levels.

Other sources can be the burning of gasoline, oil, woo, coal, propane and even riding in pickup trucks. Carbon monoxide injuries happen mostly during the cold months when people use heaters, gas furnaces and generators in their houses. Interestingly, although male and female equally suffered from CO exposure, men were 2.3 times more likely to die from CO poisoning. Regarding age groups, people over 65 have higher death rate, probably because oft her inability to detect toxic gas.

A carbon monoxide alarm can come as a stand-alone model or as a monitored model. Monitored devices are connected to a control panel and through it monitored by a central monitoring station 24 hours a day. If the carbon monoxide alarm detects dangerous level of CO, it will send a message to the central station. If no one is home, the home owners are sleeping or are already experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, the central station will notify the adequate authorities to investigate.