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What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas. Because you can't see, taste or smell
it, it can affect you or your family before you even know it's there. Even at low levels of
exposure, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems. CO is harmful because it will
rapidly accumulate in the blood, depleting the ability of blood to carry oxygen.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a common by-product of the combustion (burning) of fossil fuels. Most
fuel-burning equipment (natural gas, propane and oil), if properly installed and maintained,
produces little CO. The by-products of combustion are usually safely vented to the outside.
However, if anything disrupts the venting process (such as a bird's nest in the chimney) or
results in a shortage of oxygen to the burner, CO production can quickly rise to dangerous
levels.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Unanticipated dangerous incidents may still occur despite your best efforts to avoid CO. The
installation of at least one CO detector in your home is a good safety precaution and in some
municipalities it is the law. A detector might be your second line of defence, but it is necessary.
You should have one in your home today.

There are three basic types of CO sensors — metal oxide, biomimetic and electrochemical.
Each is discussed in the chart below. Note that while there may be performance differences
between these technologies, all detectors are tested and approved for their operation.The
retail cost of a detector will generally relate to the number of features included and its
warranty conditions.

Most CO detectors are designed to give an alarm when CO levels reach a high-level in a short
time. However, health agencies advise that long term, low-level exposure are also of concern,
especially for the unborn and young children, the elderly and those with a history of heart or
respiratory problems (Health Canada, 1989). Detectors that can display both high and low
levels are more expensive but they do provide greater accuracy and more information.

Features to Consider:

* Look for a detector that is listed with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard.
The logos of the testing agency will be on the product.
* Choose a detector with a memory if you want to monitor long term low-level exposure and
short term, high-level exposure. Even though product standards do not allow manufacturers to
display low levels of CO, these units monitor and store this information. Peak levels, no matter
what the level of concentration, can be viewed by pressing a button.
* Battery-operated units allow detector placement in the most convenient location. However,
any battery-operated device requires the user's diligence in replacing worn-out batteries.
* Do not connect plug-in units to an electrical outlet that is controlled by a wall switch.
* No detectors will operate properly forever. Replace them at least every five years, unless
the manufacturer specifies a shorter or longer life.

Where to Install

Most manufacturers specify where you should locate their CO detector. In general, the best
place to put the detector is where you will hear it while sleeping. CO is roughly the same
weight as air and distributes evenly throughout a room, so a detector can be placed at any
height in any location, as long as its alarm can be heard. Additional units could be installed in
several other locations around the home, such as a child's bedroom; check the list below
before installing. To avoid both damage to the unit and to reduce false alarms, do not install
CO detectors:
* in unheated basements, attics or garages
* in areas of high humidity
* where they will be exposed to chemical solvents or cleaners, including hair spray, etc.
* near vents, flues or chimneys
* within 2 metres (6 ft.) of heating and cooking appliances
* near forced-or unforced-air ventilation openings
* within 2 metres (6 ft.) of corners or areas where natural air circulation is low
* where they can be damaged, such as an outlet in a high traffic area
* where directly exposed to the weather.

Testing A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Most CO detectors have a test button that should be pressed once a week to confirm that the
device is in operation. Detectors with displays can be tested with a known source of CO such as
smoke from a cigarette or incense stick. Hold the CO source about 8-10 inches away and watch
the digital display respond to the presence of even a small amount of CO. BUT an alarm will
most likely not sound with this test.

There are CO detector test kits available, where CO detectors are sold, that provide a vial of
high level of CO (1000 ppm) and a plastic tent to house the unit during the test. This test only
proves that your detector will sound an alarm with a very high level of CO.