Detecting a Silent Killer
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Every year many people suffer illness from exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and some even die from the resultant poisoning. At particular risk are young children who, naturally, have less ability to fight the effects of high levels of CO in their system, so prolonged exposure can be fatal.
Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas found in many appliances in the home such as gas appliances, water heater, boiler, etc. Unfortunately, due to its nature of not having any fragrance and being colourless, a person can be exposed without even knowing, which makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to sense whether dangerous levels of carbon monoxide is present.
This particular detector works by beeping a sound when low levels are present and a continous sound will be emitted when dangerous levels are present. The 3-beep warning when there is low quantity is present is a trigger to get help to take corrective measures before the possibilty of more dangerous levels becoming a possibilty.
Installing a detector does not preclude a person form taking other measures to ensure safety though, such as making regular checks on appliances that can emit carbon monoxide as well as making other checks as shown in this excellent 10 guide to carbon monoxide safety.
