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If
you have a fireplace, attached garage, gas stove/oven, gas water
heater or furnace, these are all potential sources of carbon monoxide
gases. Many carbon monoxide alarm detectors are part of a alarm
system.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous
gas that is odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating. Carbon
monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of organic materials
such as gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, charcoal,
diesel fuel, heating oil and almost any other combustible material,
such as tobacco and paper. Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, prevents
your blood from absorbing oxygen, which causes symptoms such as
dizziness, headache, nausea and sleepiness. In extreme cases, carbon
monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Wintertime is especially risky,
as you increase your use of fuel-burning devices and spend more
time indoors. Know the symptoms of Carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Pictured to the
left is an example of what a carbon monoxide detector looks
like. However, there are many kinds of carbon monoxide
detectors available to consumers. All units are required
by law to have the words carbon monoxide written on them. |
How does a carbon monoxide
alarm generate a false alarm condition?
Temperature conditions
can cause a carbon monoxide alarm detector to generate a false alarm.
Temperatures that fall to or below 40 degrees F or 4.4 C can create
a false alarm activation. High temperature condtions that
reach 100 degrees F or 37.8 C can also generate a false alarm condtion
on a carbon monoxide detector.
Paint thinner fumes and
household cleaning products have air borne characteristics that
are capable of generating a false alarm condition.
One of the most common
causes of false alarms with carbon monoxide alarm detectors are
the result of a professional grade carpet cleaning solutions.
They are used while cleaning the carpets near a carbon monoxide
alarm detector.
Some locations may interfere
with the proper operation of the alarm and may cause false alarms
or trouble signals.
| CO
detectors
should not be installed in the following locations:
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Within
1.5m (5 feet) of any cooking or open flame appliances
such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces.
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In
exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys.
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Do not place in close
proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage
the detector.
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False alarms that are
caused by carbon monoxide usually results in the dispatch of emergency
response teams. Be sure to keep your detectors maintained
by professional alarm providers.
| What
do I do when my CO detector goes into alarm?
Call 911 or your local
fire department.
Should I open my
windows if my detector alarms?
No, if your detector
alarms it is indicating an unsafe atmosphere and wasting time
opening windows could be a deadly decision. Get out, call
911 and crews will respond with very sensitive equipment that
can trace the source.
What
are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
CO poisoning symptoms
can mimic the flu. Headaches or feeling better when you leave
your home are also possible symptoms. |
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