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What is CO?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn
completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO.
These Fuels Include:
Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly maintained, are improperly ventilated,
or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient. “Air-
tight” homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure:
Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure:
Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to locate the source of CO
after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may be difficult to locate the source of CO.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
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House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
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Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
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Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
What You Need to Know About CO
!
IMPORTANT:
This CO alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO levels are
extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach a certain minimum over a long period
of time. The CO alarm generally sounds an alarm before the onset of symptoms in average, healthy
adults. Why is this important? Because you need to be warned of a potential CO problem while you
can still react in time. In many reported cases of CO exposure, victims may be aware that they are not
feeling well, but become disoriented and can no longer react well enough to exit the building or get
help. Also, young children and pets may be the first affected. The average healthy adult might not feel
any symptoms when the CO alarm sounds. However, people with cardiac or respiratory problems,
infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected
by CO. If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
