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What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas creat-
ed when any fuel is burned – gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil,
wood, coal, and even tobacco. When combustion air is limited, more
CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-
products are not properly vented outside the house.
You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the
news recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups
like the American Lung Association and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission have made it a priority to warn the public about the
dangers of this deadly household poison.
What are the Effects of CO Exposure?
When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream
through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood
cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. Carbon
monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster
than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and
vital organs. As carbon monoxide accumulates in your bloodstream,
your body becomes starved for oxygen. The amount of carbon
monoxide in a person’s body can be measured by a simple blood
test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin level” test .
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistak-
en for the flu – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting,
sleepiness, and confusion.
Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal
in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous, too.
Long term exposure to low levels could cause permanent heart and
brain damage.
Could Your Family be at Risk for CO Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in
the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000
Americans are affected by CO poisoning each year.
While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small
children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory prob-
lems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for
death or serious injury.
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
How to Care for Your CO Alarm
To keep your CO alarm in good working order, you must follow
these simple steps:
•Test the CO alarm once a week by pressing the Test/Reset button
•Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove accumulated
dust. Use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, and
unplug the CO alarm from the electrical outlet before vacuuming.
•Instruct children never to touch, unplug or otherwise interfere
with the unit. Warn children of the dangers of CO poisoning.
•Never use detergents or solvents to clean the CO alarm. Chemicals
can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
•Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other aerosols
near the CO alarm.
•Do not paint the CO alarm. Paint will seal the vents and interfere
with proper sensor operation.
•Do not mount the CO alarm directly above or near a diaper pail,
as high amounts of methane gas can cause temporary readings
on the digital display.
Note: If you will be staining or stripping wood floors or furniture,
painting, wall-papering, or using aerosols or adhesives for a do-it-your-
self project or hobby, before you begin: Remove the CO alarm to a
remote location to prevent possible damage to or contamination
of the sensor. You may wish to unplug the CO alarm and store it in a
plastic bag during the project.
The following is a list of substances which, at high levels, can affect the
sensor and may cause a nuisance alarm that is not a carbon monoxide
alarm.
Methane, propane, iso-butane, ethylene, ethanol, alcohol,
iso-propanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen, hydro-
gen sulfide, sulfur dioxides.
Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, paints, thin-
ners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, after shaves, perfumes,
auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO: