(NC)—Carbon monoxide continues to be the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America reports the Centers for Disease Control, yet the Hardware/Homecenter Research Institute found only 27 percent of homes have CO alarms. The lethal gas is undetectable to the human senses and is produced by any fuel-burning appliance, such as an oven, furnace, clothes dryer or fireplace. Because the gas is colorless, invisible and odorless, homeowners tend to ignore the possibilities of its presence.
"This stealthy killer claims more than 200 lives per year and accounts for several more emergency room visits and health-related injuries annually," states Raffi Nersesian, spokesperson for Kidde Safety Canada. According to a 1999 article published in Clinical Toxicology, a New Mexico study found that the use of CO alarms in homes could reduce the number of deaths by at least 50 percent.
Don't wait to protect yourself
"Consumers want to protect their loved ones, yet are so hurried by everyday life that unless they perceive the danger as imminent, they tend to neglect safety," says Nersesian.
Residential carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have come a long way since their introduction in the early 90's. Since then, there have been several major advances in sensors.
The most recent technology – electrochemical – has proven itself to be free from previous problems such as inaccurate readings due to temperature, humidity and quick deterioration of sensor materials. As a result, digital CO alarms, available in battery, plug-in or hardwire versions, are now capable of displaying accurate concentrations of this deadly gas if present in a home.
Since carbon monoxide is produced around the clock, it's likely that an alarm could awaken you at night when your thinking is cloudy. A combination smoke and CO alarm with a talking alert not only provides protection from two major hazards in one unit, it also uses voice technology to alert consumers about which threat is occurring.
"Seconds count and since many incidents happen at night when people are sleeping, the voice technology may help minimize confusion, contributing to a quicker escape," says Nersesian.
Units bearing the recently upgraded Canadian testing standard "CSA 6.19-01" indicated by a blue flame mark, assures long-term reliability of the sensor and readings. Additional benefits of digital include the ability to warn of low level concentrations, indicating a problem before harmful levels are reached and the unit alarms.
For more tips on protection and prevention, call toll free 1-800-565-1976, or visit www.SafeAtHomeTips.com.
Source: www.newscanada.com
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