A Carbon Monoxide Detector Can Help Save Your LifeEvery home should have at least on carbon monoxide detector for every floor. However, it should be used as the LAST LINE of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning and not the sole means to protect your family. A New York State Health Department bulletin advises, "a CO detector is not a substitute for regular maintenance of carbon monoxide sources".
How a carbon monoxide detector worksOff-the-shelf detectors sound an alarm when carbon monoxide (CO) levels are at 70 parts per million for 180 minutes, 400 parts per million for 15 minutes and various levels in between.Keep in mind that children the elderly, individuals with respiratory problems and pets are at risk for CO levels as low as 30 parts per million. In some instances, headaches and dizziness were experienced for almost 2 years prior to carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis. For maximum protection at low levels, National Comfort Institute sells a
carbon monoxide detector
that starts to alarm at 15 parts per million.
Carbon monoxide levels and effects10 - 35 ppm - small children, elderly, those suffering from respiratory or heart problems are at risk50 ppm - maximum level for continuous exposure in 8 hours 400 ppm - frontal headache 1 -2 hours, life threatening within 3 hours 800 ppm - nausea, convulsions, death within 2 hours 1600 ppm - nausea within 20 minutes, death within 1 hour
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