CO alarm standards – know when you are protected
“It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.” Noel Coward (1899-1973, bio link)
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it displaces oxygen and sets a course for various resultant consequences of asphyxia. When oxygen is displaced and there is food to convert to fuel, it is necessary that oxygen is available to the process. Since sufficient oxygen is not available due to the displacement, the “fuel rich” condition triggers the response of nausea and then can result in dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea and other conditions of what we call "flu-like symptoms". The body throws out the unprocessed food and drink.
Even though you may have a CO alarm in your home or building, it may not be enough to avoid the experiences associated with these symptoms if the alarms do not go off until they must when they measure 50 PPM of CO (The European Standard - EN50291 or 70 PPM of CO (U.L. 2034 and CSA 6.19 - United States & Canada) for the time periods they must wait to alarm. The symptoms of nausea can come from exposures to carbon monoxide before these levels are reached. NOTE: EN50291 listed alarms are allowed to alarm if levels are above 30 PPM and remains after 2 hours.
Perhaps people who have these listed and approved alarms do not think of CO as the culprit of their conditions because they are not making a sound to remind them or alert them of the presence of the poison. The avoidance of these symptoms might be another reason to encourage the use of low level CO alarms. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide safety
CO News links
Several Hospitalized For Possible Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Detroit
CBS Local
DETROIT (WWJ) - Several people have been taken to the hospital after being pulled from their homes on Detroit's northwest side, apparently suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
South Albany woman has carbon monoxide scare
WALB-TV
A South Albany woman got the surprise of her life, Monday, when she came home to a ringing carbon monoxide alarm. She was not injured, but had it not been for her alarm, the outcome could have been much …… A South Albany woman got the ...
Stanton Heights man, sons sickened by carbon monoxide
Tribune-Review
Published: Monday, November 19, 2012, 9:24 p.m.. Updated 13 minutes ago. A Stanton Heights man and his two sons were sickened by carbon monoxide Monday night, Pittsburgh emergency dispatchers said. Paramedics and firefighters were called around ...
El Paso fire officials warns of carbon monoxide poisoning as heaters ...
elpasotimes.com
Close to 100 times a year and without warning, El Paso residents report feeling sick and dizzy while inside their home. It happened again on Monday and ...
Wood burning stoves 'can cause lethal carbon monoxide poisoning' warns HPA
Telegraph.co.uk
About 40 people die in a year across England and Wales from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a variety of sources, the HPA is warning as part of a winter campaign to raise awareness of the hazard. Dr John Harrison of the HPA said: “Many of ...
California
November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month; state law requires CO alarms ...
Lake County News
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness month and Cal Fire is reminding all residents of the importance of having a working carbon monoxide alarm. As of July 1, 2011, state law requires owners of single family homes with attached ...
The lowest U.L. 2034 carbon monoxide alarm test point is:
70 PPM to 149 PPM – resist one hour, must alarm before 4 hours
Please read the alarm information on the package and in the instructions.
Increased education, awareness can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Minnesota Department of Commerce
SAINT PAUL, MN – Each year about 50,000 people visit emergency rooms in the United States for CO poisoning, and more than 500 die each year from this silent, odorless, colorless gas. As part of Winter Hazard Awareness Week (November 5-9), the Minnesota Department of Commerce warns Minnesotans of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and to take steps to avoid this “silent killer.”
Carbon monoxide kills, founder sends warning
Carbonmonoxidekills.com
Carbon Monoxide Information Website ... Carbon Monoxide Useful Links · Contact ... Get the Top ten carbon monoxide safety tips sent to your inbox:
Carbon monoxide toxicity
Emergency Medicine Ireland - By Andy Neill
Aviators – note:
(PDF) Federal Aviation Administration warning; Carbon Monoxide: a Deadly Menace
Carbon Dioxide earth atmospheric update levels;
Current Data for Atmospheric CO2
· Heart rescue video using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
· 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.
American Red Cross - disaster relief
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!
