Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The Silent Sentinels That Save Our Lives
Carbon monoxide detectors are the unspoken heroes of the world of safety and security. While conventional smoke detection equipment has been around since the 1970s, carbon monoxide detectors have been commercially available only since 1993.
Since carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless and extremely deadly, it is very hard to detect.
It is created by the incomplete combustion of several fuels like wood, coal, kerosene, charcoal, oil, propane, and even natural gas. The effects of carbon monoxide are varied but they are all singularly lethal for everyone who comes into contact with them.
Some of the major signs of CO poisoning may include the following:
- Dizziness
- Dull headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
CO poisoning can be particularly harmful to people who are either sleeping or too intoxicated to feel the symptoms. Sometimes, people may also suffer irreversible brain damage or even die before they get the chance to understand the nature of the problem. This is the part where a CO detector comes into the picture.
Its jarring alarm can easily wake up anyone deep in slumber. One of the main benefits of installing a CO alarm is that the detector can also serve as an early warning system in case there is a CO leak anywhere in your home.
Since all heat producing devices can produce CO, it’s a great idea to place alarms near such equipment.
Electromagnetic Detectors
Installing CO alarms with electrochemical sensing technology in the home or office also offers excellent protection for the inhabitants of the building. The more accurately the CO alarm works, the higher the chance of a speedy and appropriate response.
CO alarms also offer a high level of stability against rapidly changing temperatures as well as humidity in order to prevent false alarms or device failure. This high level of stability will also help them to accurately respond to carbon monoxide rather than other household gases or chemicals.
The best CO detectors provide battery back-up as well as a combination of carbon monoxide and a smoke alarm. They also have a low battery alert feature so that your device never dies on you without your knowledge. The voice alarm system present in many such detectors can effectively eliminate confusion and warn the user that he is at risk of a smoke or carbon monoxide hazard.
In light of the above, we can determine that the carbon monoxide detector is a definite lifesaver. In fact, getting one should be your first and foremost priority so that you will always remain safe and sound, regardless of any malfunctioning heater or geyser in your home.