As of January 1, 2007
all dwelling units are required by Illinois law to have at least one
working carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of each room used for
sleeping.
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Monoxide (CO) is a natural by-product of combustion from fuel
burning appliances and is invisible to human senses. It can cause
health problems, brain damage, even death. Carbon monoxide
detectors are designed to activate a warning before symptoms
appear in healthy adults.
While CO detectors are designed to detect a CO
leak before family members get sick, if the leak is severe enough,
flu-like symptoms quickly begin to appear. This is particularly
common among younger or older family members who are more
vulnerable to and less tolerant to this poison.
Purchasing carbon monoxide detectors:
- Compare the different types of detectors:
- Plug-in models load into an electrical
outlet. Some have a battery backup in case the power goes out.
- Battery-powered models use a special
battery pack. These battery packs must be replaced as
recommended.
- Read the labels carefully, looking for the
seal of an independent testing agency such as Underwriters
Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM)
- Smoke alarm / CO alarm combination units are
a good option if the smoke alarm needs replacing or is over 10
years old.
Placement of carbon monoxide detectors:
- Install near sleeping areas and on every
floor of the home. Locate detectors at least 5 to 6 feet away
from fuel-burning appliances. Follow manufacturer’s
recommendations.
- Carbon monoxide will diffuse across a room,
allowing a working CO detector to be placed at any height. This
is different than the smoke alarm that must be placed high to
capture the first signs of smoke–which rises.
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Just as smoke alarms have proven themselves effective as vital
lifesaving devices, a CO alarm may save your life and the lives of
your loved ones.
Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental
poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of American
Medical Association. At least 1,500 people die and 10,000 become ill
from CO poisoning each year.
CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and
non-irritating. It is a by-product of combustion produced by common
household appliances such as:
- gas or oil furnaces
- water heaters
- clothes dryers
- barbecue grills
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- fireplaces
- wood burning stoves
- gas ovens
- car exhaust
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Low-level symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to
the flu and are often misdiagnosed. Headaches, nausea, fatigue and
dizziness are all non-specific symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Once in the bloodstream, CO combines with
hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells, preventing
life-sustaining oxygen from reaching vital organs in the body such as
the brain and heart.
While everyone is at risk from CO poisoning,
medical experts report that children, unborn babies, the elderly and
those with heart or lung disorders are at greater risk of CO poisoning
at lower thresholds of exposure.
CO poisoning is preventable. It is recommended
every home have at least one CO alarm with an audible warning signal
installed near the sleeping area. Without this alarm, you may not be
aware CO is present.
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