Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious threat to many households.

However, you can protect your household with the First Alert CO detector offered by Nicor Services.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CO detectors are as important as smoke detectors.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. It is produced when any fuel is burned without sufficient oxygen. Overexposure to CO can cause CO poisoning, this can lead to serious illness-even death.

How does it happen?

According to the CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers, harmful CO can occur if there is poor ventilation of fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, ovens and portable heaters. Fumes from auto exhaust, generator sets and improperly vented fireplaces, grills, and wood stoves can also be sources. The chance of CO poisoning during the winter months can be greater since most homes have the windows closed.

Effective January 1st 2007, Illinois has a new law requiring all residential, Multi-residential and mixed occupancy buildings to have a functioning CO detector within 15 feet of each sleeping area

Most CO Detectors have a life expectancy of 3-5 years and should be replaced to continue to give protection. You should check the manufacturer’s instructions for any existing CO detectors to see if they have exceeded their useful life and need to be replaced.