CO Alarms Wear Out, Too

If you wonder if your carbon monoxide alarms are worn out, they probably are.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms typically last 5 to 7 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“Having a build date or an expiration date on the label is a fairly new development,” said Haddam Fire Marshal Bill Robbins. “If you don’t see a date on yours and you can’t remember when you bought it, you’re probably due for a new one.”

The NFPA recommends that people look for two key things when buying replacements. First, pick a detector with a “fuel-cell electrochemical” sensor, which is far more sensitive to CO and less prone to false alarms than models from 10 years ago. Other types of sensors on the market (metal oxide and gel cell) offer longer life but humidity and temperature changes can reduce their accuracy.

When it comes to detecting carbon monoxide, Robbins said to choose accuracy over alarm life span. Experts also recommend choosing a model with a digital readout and a “peak level” memory retention feature. That’s helpful to emergency personnel if they suspect CO poisoning. If you have small children, consider buying a talking version. A voice warning is more effective than a horn at waking children.

Since carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air, it neither rises toward the ceiling nor sinks to the floor. So alarms that don’t have a digital display can be mounted anywhere as long as they’re 4 to 12 inches below ceilings. Just make sure to install one on each level of your home, in hallways near bedrooms but at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.

Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them if they fail to respond correctly when tested. The sensors in CO alarms have a limited life. Replace the alarm according to manufacturer’s instructions or when the end-of-life signal sounds. It’s also important to know the difference between the sound of the CO alarm and the smoke alarm, and their low-battery signals. If the audible low battery signal sounds, replace the batteries or replace the device. If the CO alarm still sounds, get to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1. Remain at a fresh air location until emergency personnel arrive.

The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company recently responded to two CO calls in two days. Fortunately for the homeowners, symptoms were not present. Both calls were attributed to outdated alarms. This shows that the detectors are doing their job but also indicates that residents need to be more mindful about maintenance.    

Carbon monoxide is serious stuff. Known as “the silent killer,” CO is an invisible gas that you can't see, smell or taste. It’s a byproduct of burning organic fuels. Early symptoms often mimic the flu – headache, nausea, unclear thinking, shortness of breath, weakness and loss of muscle control. Severe symptoms include convulsions, unconsciousness and possible death.

Carbon monoxide's destructive potential arises – in part – because it prevents oxygen from being delivered to brain cells and other vital organs, central nervous system, cardiovascular system and pulmonary system. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it enters the bloodstream, binds to hemoglobin and crowds out the oxygen molecules, thereby depriving the cells of the oxygen needed to maintain their vitality.

Haddam Fire Capt. Dan Sullivan, a paramedic, explains.

“Carbon monoxide wants to suffocate you on a cellular level,” he said. “Exposure can be deadly in minutes, so it’s important to get to fresh air at the first sign of trouble.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year in America, more than 150 people die from non-fire related CO poisoning.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine such calls per hour. The number of incidents increased 96 percent from 40,900 incidents reported in 2003. This increase is most likely due to the increased use of CO alarms, according to the NFPA.

Even though CO poisoning is most commonly associated with the heating season (improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces), vehicles like boats and fuel burning devices such as non-electric heaters for camping and fishing can be sources of CO during recreational activities. Also, only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.

CO poisoning is also common when there’s a power outage due to powerful summer storms. Portable generators are capable of producing carbon monoxide levels several hundred times the levels emitted by a modern car exhaust and can kill people in a very short time.

Portable generators should be placed at a minimum of 25 feet away from and down wind of a house. Be sure that there are no vents or openings, including window air conditioners, near the generator that would allow exhaust to enter into your home.

At the very minimum, invest in a carbon monoxide alarm. They're relatively inexpensive and just as important as working smoke alarms. Many are powered by 110-volt household current and have a battery backup, and just like smoke alarms, remember to swap out the batteries in your CO detectors during Daylight Saving Time.

Do You Have What It Takes? Find more information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved at our website www.haddamfire.com, or connect with us on Facebook.