Carbon monoxide is called “the silent killer.” It’s hard to detect and treat. Even worse, the toxic gas can enter a family’s home through many sources. It doesn’t take much carbon monoxide to make a person sick. If carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t detected early, it can be lethal. To avoid getting sick or poisoned from this gas, every home should have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Below, we’ll explain how these alarms work.
Carbon Monoxide Defined
Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because it is colorless, odorless, and can’t be tasted. Without the proper carbon monoxide detector, it’s impossible to know whether this gas has entered your home. Carbon monoxide is created when certain fuels are not burnt completely. Clothes dryers, ovens, hood ranges, water heaters, a fireplace, or even a running car in a garage can create poisonous gas.
How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Body
Carbon monoxide has drastic effects on the human body. First, the gas enters a person’s lungs. Here, the gas causes red blood cells and hemoglobin to bind in the same place – the place where oxygen should be. Unfortunately, this interferes with the body’s natural process and starts to suffocate the afflicted.
When someone is affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, they usually don’t realize what’s happening until it’s too late. Shortness of breath, mild headaches, and nausea are symptoms of this condition, but also the cold or flu. With that said, some people may try to take a nap or ignore the symptoms under the impression that they will eventually feel better.
How a Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Lives
If you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, it can save lives. A detector works by detecting this lethal gas in a home. Detectors have electrical currents that are triggered when in contact with carbon monoxide. When this happens, a loud alarm is set off. The only way to silence the alarm is to move it to an area where the gas is not detected. It’s important to have this type of alarm on every floor of your home including the basement and detached or attached garage.
Learn more about carbon monoxide detectors at First Alert, Inc.
