By Relocation.com Staff
Carbon Monoxide (Co) is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in America. Co is particularily scary because it is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, natural gas and oil. Carbon monoxide can be fatal in concentrated form when inhaled. Carbon monoxide can lead to red eye, headache and dizziness in smaller doses. The typical source or carbon oxide in homes are malfunctioning gas furnaces, gas stoves, water heaters and clothes dryers.
There are carbon monoxide detectors and also combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for the home. Any home with a fuel-burning appliance of any kind should be equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector.
If you have only one carbon monoxide detector, place it in the hall, outside the bedrooms. An invisible carbon monoxide is less likely to wake you than thick toxic smoke.
Carbon monoxide alarms can be battery operated or hard wired mounted directly on to the electrical wall outlet or plugged in to an electrical cord allowing units to sit on a shelf or tabletop.
A carbon monoxide detector with a digital display that has a memory to indicate and record problems is preferable. A normal carbon monoxide level in a home is zero. Text the carbon monoxide detector monthly using the test buttons. Additionally, it is imperative you have your heating systems, vents, chimneys and flue inspected and cleaned if necessary by a qualified technician. Remember to always vent fuel-burning appliances.
Keep a watch out for the following indicators that can often be seen with a potential carbon monoxide problem.
- Decreasing hot water supply
- Constantly running furnace that does not heat your home
- An unfamiliar burning odor
- Soot collecting around any appliance
- Loose fitting chimney, chimney discoloration, damaged brick