What is a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an underestimated problem in the Netherlands, there are more victims than expected each year. With the help of this article we try to explain what carbon monoxide poisoning is, what you can do about it and what a carbon monoxide detector does.

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​Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, is a compound of carbon and oxygen. It is a colourless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon and fossil fuels. The gas is widely used in the chemical industry and is lighter than air. Carbon monoxide is present in car exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, chimney smoke and boilers, stoves and geysers. Nature itself also produces carbon monoxide. Large quantities of gas are released during volcanic eruptions, degassing of swamps and forest fires.
An estimated ten people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year and two hundred people are admitted to hospital each year. The gas is highly poisonous, and to make matters worse, it is colourless and odourless and it is also absorbed into the blood 250 times faster than oxygen! When the gas is inhaled, the carbon monoxide attaches itself to the protein (hemoglobin) that transports oxygen in the red blood cells. The oxygen gas is then displaced by carbon monoxide, because it attaches 250 times faster than oxygen gas. If you inhale a small amount of gas, not much will happen, but if a relatively large amount of carbon monoxide enters the body, poisoning symptoms can occur. The symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, increased heart rate and confusion. With prolonged exposure, the consequences are unconsciousness and eventually death, because the brain does not get enough oxygen. Now you might think: "But if you have those symptoms, you will notice them, right? And then you will intervene immediately? And you will not die from it, right?" Well, if it goes slowly enough, you will become drowsy and tired and then you may lie down on the couch for a while... and then you will pass out. Or it can happen when you are already asleep, and then the chance is much greater that you will not notice anything and will die. And that is why it is highly recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector.

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Carbon monoxide from central heating system

The most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is a defect in the installation or poor air ventilation. There are three ways in which carbon monoxide is produced by the appliance, namely:

• Device malfunction

• Fuel unsuitable for device

• Insufficient oxygen supply to device

 

The production of carbon monoxide does not have to be a problem if the exhaust is good, but there are several ways in which it can enter your home or that of your neighbours.

• Open connection: Appliance - home

• Open connection: Exhaust pipe in home - home

• Open connection: Exhaust pipe outside home - home

• Recirculation in home: Flue gas > ventilation air

• Malfunctioning exhaust system

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Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

​To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you can do a number of simple things. Have your geyser, boiler, gas heater or central heating boiler checked at least once a year by a certified installer, always ensure sufficient ventilation in the house, be alert to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and above all: ensure a carbon monoxide detector in the house!

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Want to buy a carbon monoxide detector? Do it!

​Carbon monoxide detectors can prevent damage to your body, because carbon monoxide detectors have sensors that detect gas. When the built-in CO sensor measures an increased concentration, the detector immediately sounds the alarm. The detectors work on 230V, alkaline battery or durable lithium batteries. A CO detector has a lifespan of approximately seven to ten years under normal circumstances and works best in dust-free areas. Do not use cleaning agents when cleaning a carbon monoxide detector. The chemicals contained in them can affect the sensors in the detector. In addition, we recommend that all detectors (including smoke detectors!) are always tested regularly, this can be done with the test button.

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