“A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem.” Albert Einstein (1879-1955, bio link)
Carbon monoxide alarm inquiry
Michael, I agree it does sound a little cruel and absurd that a blind person, living in provided housing where the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is guarded against, must suffer a variety of poor health symptoms before the audible sound alerts them that they are being poisoned, and that this notice could take weeks or longer or never. “ Shouldn’t they have better alarms?” Yes they should.
I would add that this weakness in this sanctioned carbon monoxide protection is true regardless of anyone’s impairment or housing type. The way the alarms are required to operate by standard notation or law and not required to have a digital display, we are all “blind” to increasing and harmful levels of the poison where those are the only alarms present.
The alarms with digital displays are at least allowed to display (but not alarm) when the concentrations are above 30 PPM and under 70 in the U.S. and Canada. This is better, but this visual feature is still around 3 times higher than some fire department citizen evacuation protocols. More fire departments are beginning evacuations as 10 PPM of CO is breached in a building upon their discovery.
We are all vulnerable to carbon monoxide exposure and the consequences of “how much, for how long and, what is the overall state of our health?” It is most logical to be alerted to the lowest possible levels before symptoms begin to appear. Why should the citizen consumer “sit in the dark” until the alarm sounds at high, length of time registered concentrations? Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News links
8 taken to hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning
Janesville Gazette (blog)
DODGEVILLE, Wis. (AP) — Eight people have been taken to a hospital in Dodgeville after suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Police say officers were called to a home just before midnight Thursday on a report of someone having a seizure.
Keep fires and generators outside; Have alarms inside, always
Carbon monoxide poisoning a greater risk during bad weather
MyCentralJersey.com
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an immediate danger and more prevalent during bad weather. SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING DURING BAD WEATHER: In the event of power outages, take these precautions: 1. Do not bring ...
Protecting the vulnerable from fire tragedies
Niagarathisweek.com
Project Zero, a join initiative of Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshal's Public Safety Council, saw 180 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms dropped off at West Lincoln Community Care last week. From left are: West Lincoln Fire Chief ...
Follow up; carbon monoxide fatalities, remembering mom & dad
Portsmouth complex where two died had an earlier close call
The Virginian-Pilot
Records obtained by The Virginian-Pilot from the city and the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority show problems in 2009 with carbon monoxide in the Swanson Homes neighborhood. A fire official issued two violation notices after an incident ....….the day before the couple died, her mother sounded weak on the phone and said she was having trouble breathing. If there is any good that has come of the tragedy, perhaps the deaths have helped others to be more aware, she said. "If Mom and Dad wouldn't have died, they wouldn't have known nothing about the carbon monoxide. God sacrificed them in order for a lot more to live."
· Heart Rescue Now This link takes you to a very short video that is a practical demonstration on the proper usage of an AED. This video is tastefully done & demonstrates the step-by-step way one might be able to save a life.
· Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.
· Carbon Monoxide Survivor A website made by poisoning survivors that brings a view that can only come from those that know what it is like to have been poisoned - as well as live with the long term impact.
· Consider low level protection for carbon monoxide and smoldering fire detection problems; don't leave anyone behind.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-five U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia
Google Maps to reference the locations referenced in these Internet headlines.
The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece Instruments
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
