How a CO detector works

• Carbon monoxide is a gas that enters the red blood cells and cause permanent damage to brain, lungs and heart. The more it enters the body, the more damage it can cause.
• Not only this, but CO is odorless, colorless, tasteless and you can’t see it.
• Having a CO detector can reduce the risk of death.
• Long exposures with low amounts of CO is just as bad as high amounts of CO with short exposure to the gas. Therefore no matter how long you you might be exposed to the CO, we must always make sure to have one in cases of emergency.
• When a CO detector senses gas in the air, it sends out a signal to pulse the alarm. The more carbon monoxide it detects, the higher the pulse and signal will be. CO detectors also send color sensors that change colors when a high amount of CO is exposed in the air.
• Remember that a CO detector must NOT be placed within 15 feet of any appliance. This is because you don't want the CO detector to activated when there is only a small amount of CO in that part the air. I.e, no false alarms.
• There are two common types of CO detectors. One that is battery-powered, and one that it a plug in.
o The battery powered is the most common, as it can be placed in higher placed. Note: Carbon monoxide rises up to the ceiling when exposed to air.
o The plug in is also used, usually for people that are forgetful of changing batteries.
• CO detectors are recommended to be in every bedroom of the house like a fire alarm, but most families prefer to have one in every floor in the house. The placement of a CO detector is just as important. It is recommended for them to be placed near the bedrooms to hear the sound go off in case of an emergency.
• The usual lifespan of CO detectors are usually two years, so frequent checks on the device are necessary.

sources: 

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/tips/carbon-monoxide-detector.htm

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingswork/a/codetectors.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj1XfqsXUFg&feature=g-hist

Carbon monoxide safety facts, including preventative measures to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide can neither be seen nor smelled; often being referred as the “silent killer”. Common sources of Carbon Monoxide poisoning is malfunctioning heating equipment, blocked chimneys, indoor use of barbecue grills, using a cooking appliance for heating and running a vehicle, lawn mower or such, in a closed garage. Symptoms that are caused from CO poising is headaches, nausea, vomiting, and weakness/sleepiness. These symptoms can be avoiding by going outside, breathing fresh air.
Take these measures to prevent CO poisoning:
1. never leave acar or lawn mower running in a garage
2. Never burn charcoal indoors or in an enclosed area, such as a tent
3. Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris and other blockages
4. Make sure appliances are installed properly
5. Don't use a range, oven or clothes dryer for heating
6. Immediately repair dislocated or fallen parts from your appliances

How carbon monoxide poisoning works, what it does to the body

Carbon monoxide works by displacing oxygen molecules en route to the brain and other vital tissues and organs. CO molecules bind to the hemoglobin in your blood cells, forming a compound called carboxyhaemoglobin. The binding of CO to hemoglobin binds 240 times tighter than oxygen molecules, so in the presence of both oxygen and carbon monoxide, the hemoglobin will preferentially bind to the carbon monoxide molecule. This process reduces the amount of hemoglobin available to bind to oxygen and essentially starves the body of oxygen. Instead of delivering the oxygen needed by the body, the red blood cells are delivering CO molecules, which can’t be utilized by the body. It feels as if you are breathing, but more accurately, you’re breathing in air that the body can not use.

Sources:
http://www.allwebdiscounts.com/athome_06_tips.php3
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171876.php

What produces carbon monoxide, including the biggest household dangers

Carbon monoxide is a colorless & odorless, deadly gas.  CO is a by-product of combustion, which occurs whenever fuel is burned and it is especially dangerous because you cannot see, taste, or smell it.  But it is not uncommon to find this gas in your house.  It’s produced by all kinds of things you may have in your house including:
- Fireplaces
- Charcoal grills
- Wood burning stoves
- Gas refrigerators
- Gas water heaters
- Space heaters