DuPont™ Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO808) and DuPont™ Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display(CO828)

1. What is carbon monoxide gas?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquified petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO, running cars produce CO.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov

2. Is carbon monoxide gas a big problem in the United States?
Every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov

3. What are the sources of carbon monoxide in the home?
88% of all homes have a potential source of carbon monoxide.
a. Gas appliances – stove, clothes dryer, refrigerator
b. Gas or oil furnace – leaky pipe/ flue, cracked heat exchanger
c. Gas or kerosene space heater
d. Wood stove
e. Fireplace – clogged or blocked chimney
f. Attached garage – running car inside
g. Operating a barbeque indoors

4. Am I more likely to be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning because I live in an older home?
People who live in either an older home or a newer home are vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning because in almost every home there is a potential source of carbon monoxide. 

5. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. Skin tone may become unusually pink or red.

High exposure levels can cause confusion, convulsions, collapse, cardiac trauma, difficulty breathing, or even death. As the level of carbon monoxide in your blood accumulates, your vital organs including your heart and brain, become deprived of oxygen.

6. What do I do if I have been exposed to carbon monoxide gas?
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get to fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation in your home; turn off any combustion appliances and leave the house. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Call your fire department for assistance and be sure to report your symptoms. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning. It is also important to contact your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks to be sure they are operating properly.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov

7. What can I do to help protect my family from carbon monoxide poisoning?
a. Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
b. Install a CO alarm which meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A carbon monoxide alarm can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances and your heating system, which all can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure wherever you install the alarm that it cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies which will effect it's ability to detect CO levels.
c. Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
d. Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
e. Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
f. Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances.
g. Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
h. Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.
i. Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and whenever possible place engine unit to exhaust outdoors.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov

8. What level of carbon monoxide gas exposure is dangerous?
The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov