Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
Carbon
monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas created when
fuel burns. Carbon monoxide is made up of one carbon molecule and one
oxygen molecule (chemical symbol = CO), this means that it has almost
the same weight as air and mixes with air easily.
Protecting
your Family from CO
Carbon
monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete burning of
carbon-containing fuels including coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas,
and fuel oil. Safe and proper installation of fuel burning
appliances, and proper use of gas burning vehicles and small engines
will ideally reduce to chances of CO poising.
If
your CO detector goes off, you should:
-
Check to see if any member of your
household is experiencing symptoms. If they are, get them out of the
house immediately and call 911.
-
Make sure it is the CO detector and not
the smoke alarm.
-
If no one is feeling symptoms,
ventilate the home with fresh air and turn off all potential sources
of CO.
-
Have a qualified technician inspect
your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are
operating correctly.
Where do I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Proper
placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are
installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping
area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors
may be installed on every level and in every bedroom of a home
provides extra protection.
