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Why You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector…
It Could Save Your Life!

September 9, 2007

"You could have gone to sleep tonight and never woken up," is what several firemen told me back in April of 2005. As good fortune would have it, I had a carbon monoxide detector and heeded its alert when the alarm went off.

The problem turned out to be a leak from my gas stove that has a gas pilot. The firemen explained that gas stoves with electric pilots will not cause any leakage.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and highly poisonous gas. It is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion. It is found in automobile exhaust fumes, faulty stoves and heating systems, fires, and even cigarette smoke. Other sources include wood-burning stoves, kerosene heaters, improperly ventilated water heaters and gas stoves, and blocked or poorly maintained chimney flues.

CO poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide gas is inhaled. CO interferes with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. The result is headache, nausea, convulsions, and potentially death by asphyxiation if inhaled in large enough amounts. For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention, see First Alert's web site.

For less than $30, you can create a safer home for you and your family by purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and indicates that there is a leak (vs. a dead battery) call 911 immediately! It could save your life!

Submitted by:

Webmaster - DiPalma Estates