Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas that enters the body through the lungs during the normal breathing process. It replaces oxygen in the blood and impedes the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain and other vital organs.
Why Should You Worry About Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas that enters the body through the lungs during the normal breathing process. It replaces oxygen in the blood and impedes the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain and other vital organs.
- Carbon monoxide kills. Every year, many people die of carbon monoxide poisoning in their own homes. The scariest part is that it usually occurs while people are asleep and they have no opportunity to detect the signs and symptoms. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the biggest causes of accidental poisoning in the developed world.
- Carbon monoxide injuries. Hundreds of people end up in hospital every year due to exposure to carbon monoxide. The impact of the toxins can leave people permanently disabled. The scary truth is that everyone is at risk – 88% of all homes contain something that can leak carbon monoxide.
What to Do When Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
To maximize your home’s protection against excessive levels of carbon monoxide, place detectors in the following locations:
- On all levels of the home for maximum protection;
- One and a half meters off the ground. Carbon monoxide detectors get the best reading of the air in your home when placed one and a half meters off the ground;
- Near each sleeping area. If CO levels get too high during the night, it is important that the detectors can be heard by everyone who is sleeping in the event of an emergency;
- Near attached garages. Cars produce carbon monoxide whenever they are running. If you have an attached garage, these fumes can quickly spread to the rest of the house. A CO detector near the attached garage will alert you if this becomes a problem;
- Where the manufacturer recommends. Each model of carbon monoxide detector is tested according to the manufacturer’s specifications. It is important to take these specifications into account when deciding where to place the detectors;
- In areas where the alarm can be heard.
What Not to Do When Placing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
The following locations can create a false alarm or prevent the detector from correctly identifying CO levels in your home:
- Near any appliance that burns fuel;
- In excessively humid areas, such as the bathroom;
- In direct sunlight;
- Near any source of ventilation, such as a fan, vent or open window;
- Within reach of children or pets.
At FireAlarm.com Professionals, we can advise you further on how to protect your family from invisible and deadly carbon monoxide. Call us today and help protect your loved ones with our detectors.
