Table A: Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
35
The maximum allowable concentration for continuous
exposure in any 8 hour period according to OSHA *.
150
Slight headache after 1.5 hours.
200
Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3
hours.
400
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening
after 3 hours, also maximum parts per million in
flue gas (on an air free basis) according to US
Environmental Protection Agency.
800
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes.
Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3
hours.
1,600
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes.
Death within 1 hour.
3,200
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes.
Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes.
Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800
Death within 1-3 minutes.
2.3 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CO ALARM
DETECTS CARBON MONOXIDE ?
When the Alarm detects potentally dangerous levels
of CO, it flashes the red alarm light and then sounds
a loud alarm if the CO persists. The digital display
(Model Ei261DENRC only) indicates the CO level in
parts per million (ppm) CO.
Table B below shows how the CO Alarm reacts to
different levels of CO gas and exposure time. At
higher levels of CO the alarm turns on sooner. The
rate of flashing of the red light indicates the level of
CO.
Table B: CO Alarm Response
*
unless it has been in alarm (see 2.4 CO Alarm Memory overleaf)
If your CO Alarm sounds follow the instructions
on page 4.
When ventilation is provided by leaving windows
and doors open, the CO build up may have
dissipated by the time help arrives and the alarm
may have stopped sounding. Although your problem
may appear temporarily solved, it is crucial that the
source of the CO is determined and appropriate
repairs made.
NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM
4
ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
Inhalation Time (approx) and
Symptoms Developed
ppm = parts per million
*OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Association
CO Level
(ppm)
Horn sounds
within
Red
Alarm Light
0
50
100
300
Off
60 to 90 minutes
10 to 40 minutes
3 minutes
Off *
1 Flash / 2 Seconds
2 Flashes / Second
4 Flashes / Second
