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CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

What is carbon monoxide?

     Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas which is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’.  When inhaled, it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.  It can poison the body quickly in high concentrations or slowly over long periods of time.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

     Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea,  dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness.  In severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.

How is carbon monoxide generated in the home?

     Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline, or wood.  This incomplete combustion can occur in any device that depends on burning for energy or heat, such as furnaces, room heaters, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves or grills, and any gas powered vehicle or engine.  Automobiles left running in attached garages, gas barbecues operated inside the house, grills or kerosene heaters that are not properly vented, or chimneys or vents that are dirty or plugged may create unsafe levels of CO.

What are some danger signs?

• You or other members of your family have symptoms of CO exposure (see above)
• You notice a sharp, penetrating odour or smell of gas when your furnace or other fuel-burning equipment turns on
• The air is stale or stuffy
• The pilot light on your furnace or other fuel-burning equipment goes out
• Chalky white powder forms on the chimney/exhaust vent pipe or soot build-up occurs around the exhaust vents

How can unsafe levels of carbon monoxide be detected?

     Carbon monoxide detectors monitor levels of carbon monoxide in the air and sound an audible alarm when harmful CO levels are present.  When purchasing a CO detector, it is very important to be sure that it has been certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

     If your CO detector sounds an alarm, DO NOT assume it is a false alarm.  Open all doors and windows to ventilate the home.  If you cannot find the problem and the alarm continues, contact the fire department.  If there is a strong smell of natural gas in your home, evacuate immediately, leaving the door open, and contact your local gas utility.

Where should a carbon monoxide detector be located in the home?

     Proper placement of a CO detector is important.  In general, most people are effected by CO during sleeping hours, so a detector should by located in or as near as possible to the sleeping area of the home.  Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of the home, a detector should be provided for each area.

     Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air.  Therefore, a CO detector should be located at knee-height (which is about the same as lying on a bed).  Due to the possibility of tampering or damage by pets, children, vacuum cleaners and the like, it may be located up to chest height.  To work properly, a detector should not be blocked by furniture, draperies, or other obstructions to normal air flow.  If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector is used, it should be located on the ceiling, to ensure that it will detect smoke effectively.

To Keep Safe, Please Remember:

• You should know about the dangers of carbon monoxide; your knowledge and actions may save lives

• CO detectors are a good second line of defense, but do not eliminate the need for regular inspection, maintenance, and safe use of all fuel-burning equipment.