About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices similar to smoke detectors. However, instead of searching for smoke in the air, these detectors search for this specific deadly gas. Even though carbon monoxide is non-irritating, odorless, tasteless and colorless, a person exposed to it can become ill and die within one hour.

History of

Although humans have long known about the dangers of various gases, carbon monoxide remained a mystery for many centuries. In fact, many scientists almost died after producing this gas in testing labs. It wasn't until Joseph Priestley, an English chemist, discovered the poisonous properties in the 1790s did carbon monoxide begin to be understood. The first carbon monoxide detectors were tested in the middle of the 20th century. By the early 1990s these devices became available to the general public at an affordable price.

Type

The most basic type of carbon monoxide detector is battery-operated and can be mounted on a wall or on the ceiling. Another type of detector is one that can be plugged into an electrical outlet. Since these can be installed in a matter of seconds and are usually cheaper, this type of carbon monoxide detector is the fastest growing on the market. Many companies are now offering detectors that can search the air for both carbon monoxide and smoke.

Features

Carbon monoxide detectors are usually small and round in shape. From the outside, you can only typically see a light that indicates power and a series of holes that allows sound to be emitted. Within the detector is a constantly running current of electricity which, due to its makeup, will weaken in strength when carbon monoxide is introduced to the air. Unlike smoke detectors that usually sound at full blast at the first instance of smoke, carbon monoxide detectors usually sound louder and at more frequent intervals as the level of that gas rises in the air. This feature is to prevent false alarms and allow a person to ventilate the room before levels reach a toxic point.

Benefits

The life - ability of these detectors cannot be ignored. One industry survey found that more than 100,000 people worldwide claim that carbon monoxide detectors saved their life. In the United States, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death among poison victims, with an estimated 4,000 dying annually due to exposure to this gas.

The Facts

Carbon monoxide can quickly accumulate even in places that might appear to be well-ventilated. Common causes include cars running in a garage, charcoal grills in an enclosed area, blocked chimneys and malfunctioning furnaces. The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are nausea and shortness of breath. Advanced signs include dizziness and lightheadedness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, take the person in question into fresh air and get medical help immediately.