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The full line includes 120 VAC wired-in, 9V DC/battery operated,
and 120 VAC plug-in models. Choose the model that meets the
needs of your particular installation!
What
is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas.
Because you can't see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide
can kill you before you know it's there. Today's energy-efficient,
Air-tight homes contribute to the problem by trapping CO-polluted
air inside the home. Many municipalities across the country
have adopted codes requiring CO alarms. This number is growing
annually.
Why
is carbon monoxide so dangerous?
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin
in the bloodstream. CO is breathed in through the lungs and
bonds with hemoglobin in your blood, displacing the oxygen
which cells need to function. When CO is present in the air,
it rapidly accumulates in the blood. Severe exposure can eventually
displace enough oxygen in your system to suffocate you from
the inside out, resulting in brain damage or death.
Where
does carbon monoxide occur?
CO is a common by-product of fuel burning appliances. It can
be emitted by sources including gas or oil furnaces, gas clothes
dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills,
gas ranges and space heaters. A clogged chimney, improper
venting and attached garages can also cause problems.
Where
should I install carbon monoxide alarms?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
at least one CO alarm should be installed near a home's sleeping
area. It is important that all residents would hear the alarm
-and be awakened-if the alarm sounds at night. Additional
alarms on other levels add an extra measure of safety. If
you install a CO alarm in the vicinity of a furnace (or other
fuel-burning heat source) try to maintain a 15-20 foot distance
between the appliance and the CO alarm to minimize "nuisance"
alarms.
Who is
at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Everyone is at risk. Experts believe that vulnerability to CO
poisoning increases for unborn babies, infants, senior citizens
and people with coronary or respiratory problems. These people
are considered to be at greatest risk. |