Sounding the Alarm on
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
 Carbon
monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental death in the
United States. It is an odorless, invisible gas that can't be tasted
or seen and is extremely deadly if inhaled for an extended period
of time. The most common source of carbon monoxide is from gas ranges
but, vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning
resulting in death.
Carbon monoxide gas is dangerous because when inhaled, it passes
from the lungs into the blood stream and interferes with red blood
cells' ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. The body
is deprived of oxygen and this results in tissue damage and death.
The only way this deadly gas can be detected is through a carbon
monoxide detector. Find out how to prevent carbon monoxide from
invading your home.
Detecting a Deadly Presence
Carbon monoxide can come from a number of sources within your home.
Any device that requires flame fuel can release carbon monoxide
gas. When purchasing appliances for your home it is important to
remember that may release carbon monoxide gas. These include:
- Gas ranges
- Ovens
- Gas clothes dryers
- Furnaces
- Fireplaces
- Grills
- Space heaters
- Water heaters
- Vehicles
Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on the amount
of carbon monoxide detected in an area. Carbon monoxide gas can
harm you if you are exposed to high levels in a short period of
time or to lower levels over a longer period of time. If you purchase
a carbon monoxide detector that requires an electrical outlet, make
sure that it also offers a compartment for back-up battery power.
Carbon monoxide detectors are set to go off before the exposure
of carbon monoxide can produce any kind of a health hazard to healthy
adults. Babies, children, pregnant women, people with circulatory
or respiratory ailments and the elderly are more sensitive to carbon
monoxide than healthy adults.
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