![]() ![]() Elevated levels of CO can be dangerous to humans depending on the amount present and length of exposure. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable by humans without using detection technology and, in a study by Underwriters Laboratories, "Sixty percent of Americans could not identify any potential signs of a CO leak in the home". This applies to all CO safety alarms that meet UL 2034 standard however for passive indicators and system devices that meet UL 2075, UL refers to these as carbon monoxide detectors.ĬO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. In the late 1990s Underwriters Laboratories changed their definition of a single station CO detector with a sound device in it to a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Carbon monoxide may have severe adverse effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman.Ī carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposures to carbon monoxide may cause significant damage to the heart and central nervous system, especially to the globus pallidus, often with long-term chronic pathological conditions. In the United States, the OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels above 50 ppm.Ĭarbon monoxide also binds to other molecules such as myoglobin and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. A level of 50% carboxyhemoglobin may result in seizure, coma, and fatality. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm may cause up to 50% of the body's hemoglobin to convert to carboxyhemoglobin. It combines with hemoglobin to produce carboxyhemoglobin, which usurps the space in hemoglobin that normally carries oxygen, but is ineffective for delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. ![]() Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, but highly toxic. In coordination complexes the carbon monoxide ligand is called carbonyl.Ĭarbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many countries. It is the simplest oxocarbon and is isoelectronic with other triply-bonded diatomic molecules having ten valence electrons, including the cyanide anion, the nitrosonium cation and molecular nitrogen. In the atmosphere, it is spatially variable and short lived, having a role in the formation of ground-level ozone.Ĭarbon monoxide consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom, connected by a triple bond that consists of two covalent bonds as well as one dative covalent bond. It is toxic to hemoglobic animals (both invertebrate and vertebrate, including humans) when encountered in concentrations above about 35 ppm, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal biological functions. Help protect your family from the poisonous gas with CO and smoke detectors from First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety.Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. First Alert offers a variety of CO detectors to meet your family’s needs: Detectors should be tested monthly, and batteries replaced at least every six months to ensure the detector is functioning properly. ![]() The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Carbon Monoxide SafetyĬarbon monoxide gas can only be detected by a CO alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to detect this poisonous gas to help provide an early warning. Sources of carbon monoxide are any fuel burning devices, such as your stove, furnace or water heater. What is Carbon Monoxide?Ĭarbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas. First Alert carbon monoxide alarms include battery, plug-in and tabletop options. ![]()
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