Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly poisonous gas
that is produced when fuels containing carbon are burned. It is lighter than air and as
such tends to rise under normal conditions. It is dangerous because when it is inhaled it
combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in blood cells, and prevents them
from absorbing needed oxygen. This lack of oxygen causes headaches, nausea, followed by
unconsciousness and ultimately death. Since it is odorless, one may be exposed to
dangerous levels without knowing it. It is also called silent killer.
Types Of CO Detectors
There are 2 basic types of CO detectors, Biometric and
Taguchi. Biometric units, utilize a semi-permeable gel that changes color when exposed to
CO. This gel absorbs CO at the same rate as human hemoglobin, and its color is directly
related to the amount of CO absorbed. The detector has a light beam which passes through
the gel and senses the change in color, activating the device. Taguchi units, also called
tin oxide, utilize a special semiconductor that changes its resistance when exposed to CO.
The detector senses this change and activates the unit.
Installation Of Detectors
Due to its lighter than air composition Carbon Monoxide detectors
should be located centrally near the top of a wall or on a ceiling and not in a corner. In
addition do not locate it within 5 feet of a CO producing source, such as furnace, since
false alarms may occur.
What To Do If Carbon Monoxide Is Detected?
If your Carbon Monoxide detector activates you should leave the
location immediately and check to make sure everyone got out. You can open the windows to
ventilate the area and clean out the CO buildup. Do not take any chances, it is much
better to call for assistance than to become another statistic. It is also possible for CO
poisoning to occur from faulty exhaust pipes on automobiles or trucks. If you begin to
experience headaches or nausea while driving or riding in an automobile or truck, you
should open the windows immediately and have the exhaust system checked. Never keep the
car engine running in a closed garage as the slow build up of CO within the garage could
be disastrous. |
