How reliable are carbon monoxide detectors? Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Carbon monoxide detectors can be useful in detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning occurrences but should not...
Carbon monoxide detectors can be useful in detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning occurrences but should not be relied upon exclusively. As with any device there can be a malfunction or inaccurate reading. People should be aware of things that may put them at risk and what can be done to safeguard their homes, offices, and other locations from excessive levels of carbon monoxide building up in the air they breathe.
Heather Caldwell is the communications manager for Kidde, one of the largest manufacturing companies of fire safety products. Caldwell says, "Carbon monoxide alarms save lives. They are designed to measure the level of carbon monoxide in the home over an amount of time. They are designed to sound when carbon monoxide levels rise to a point where it would affect a normal healthy adult." Carbon monoxide detectors must meet safety standards established by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc., have self-testing capabilities, contain reset features to ensure the work properly, and be covered by an extended warranty.
Carbon Monoxide alarms are still in development stages and have not been found to be as reliable as the smoke detectors that are used in many homes today. In laboratory tests, results have varied. Some detectors have performed well while others have not done so well. Some have even failed to sound an alarm despite very high carbon monoxide levels. In some cases, detectors have sounded alarms with very low levels of carbon monoxide present. There have also been some product recalls in the past, but improvements are being worked on all the time to increase the reliability of these detectors.
If you plan to purchase and use a carbon monoxide detector, read the directions so you know how the item should be properly installed and used. Never ignore an alarm sound. When you hear the alarm you want to first be sure it is the carbon monoxide alarm and not your smoke alarm. Then you will want to see if anyone in your household or the immediate area is displaying any symptoms that they may have carbon monoxide poisoning. If so, you need to evacuate the area quickly and seek medical attention. If nobody is feeling ill, try ventilating the area by opening a window or door to circulate the air. If there are any appliances, vehicles, machines, or other items in the area that may be contributing to the levels of carbon monoxide you will want to shut them off. If the problem persists and the alarm keeps going off you will want to have the area inspected to see if there is a problem with ventilation of the area or if any appliance, stove, or other equipment is malfunctioning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is not always easy to detect in the air and is often mistaken for other causes of illness when present. Caldwell notes, "Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion. So if any homes have a gas-burning appliance, they are going to have some trace amounts of carbon monoxide. The danger comes when that carbon monoxide reaches a level that is unhealthy for humans or animals." Other sources of carbon monoxide may be car exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, chimneys, space heaters, burning kerosene or gasoline, and faulty gas appliances such as stoves or water heaters.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, muscle aches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and many other common signs of illness. If you notice any of these symptoms you should immediately try to get some fresh air to see if the symptoms dissipate. If you suspect you may have carbon monoxide poisoning get to an emergency room and have blood tests to confirm or rule out the presence of this condition.
