More than 5,000 people die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s why First Alert and the Morgantown Fire Department stress the importance of installing and checking home detectors.
“It’s the best thing to do for your family,” said Ashley Gocken, First Alert brand and public relations specialist. “Install detectors on all levels of the home, including the basement.”
Test the alarms regularly and replace devices every 5-10 years, Gocken added.
“The basic care for carbon monoxide detectors is the same as smoke detectors,” said Mark Caravasos, Morgantown fire chief. “They should be placed near hot water tanks and furnaces. … Do not place one in your garage, it will activate when you start your car.”
Carbon monoxide enters the body through breathing and, according to the National Fire Protection Association, exposure to the colorless, odorless, and tasteless, flammable gas can be mistaken for flu-like symptoms. High levels of exposure can be fatal, causing death within minutes.
The concentration of carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million, said Caravasos.
According to the NFPA, anything but the smallest amounts of CO will start to cause side effects:
50 ppm: No adverse effects with 8 hours of exposure.
200 ppm: Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure.
400 ppm: Headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure.
800 ppm: headache, nausea and dizziness after 45 minutes, leading to collapse and unconscious.
1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after 1 hour of exposure.
1,600 ppm: Headache, nausea and dizziness after 20 minutes of exposure.
3,200 ppm: headache, nausea and dizziness after 5-10 minutes of exposure.
6,500 ppm: headache and dizziness after 1-2 minutes of exposure; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10-15 minutes of exposure.
12,800 ppm: immediate physiological effects, unconsciousness and danger of death after 1-3 minutes of exposure.
“Occasionally, the City of Morgantown is able to provide a CO detector to those who cannot afford one,” Caravasos said. “Unfortunately, our supply is limited.”
Info: Building Codes Division of the City of Morgantown, 304-284-7401.
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