| Q1: |
What is Carbon Monoxide? |
| A1: |
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless
gas. It is produced when any fuel is burned without sufficient oxygen.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that overexposure
to CO can cause serious illness and even death.
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| Q2: |
What are the effects of CO Exposure? |
| A2: |
According to the CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide
Questions and Answers, the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often
mistaken for the flu or mistakenly diagnosed by a physician. The symptoms
include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness
and confusion. Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide
can be lethal in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is
dangerous too.
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| Q3: |
What are the common sources of Carbon Monoxide? |
| A3: |
The CPSC notes that 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.
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| Q4: |
What can you do to protect your family? |
| A4: |
The CPSC recommends:
- Have fuel-burning appliances- such as oil and gas heaters, furnaces,
ovens, fireplaces- and heating systems such as chimneys and vents
serviced annually.
- Install CO detectors alarms that meets the requirements of the
current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard
near the bedrooms in the home.
- Never burn charcoal inside your home or garage.
- Always open the chimney flue when you use your fireplace.
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or cloths dyers
to heat your home.
- Never run a combustion engine, such as your car, lawn mower
or snow blower, in enclosed areas.
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| Q5: |
What is the new law in Illinois for CO detectors? |
| A5: |
Effective January 1st 2007, all residential,
multi- residential and mixed occupancy buildings must have a functioning
CO detector within 15 feet of each sleeping room.
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| Q6: |
Is there a penalty if I do not install a detector? |
| A6: |
Under the new law, anyone failing to install or maintain a carbon monoxide alarm can be punished with up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine.
Tampering with, removing, destroying, disconnecting or removing the batteries from the device could result in up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines for a first offence. Additional violations could mean three years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
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| Q7: |
Why should I buy this CO detector? |
| A7: |
The First Alert CO detector, AC powered, plug-in carbon
monoxide alarm utilizes sophisticated electronic components and electrochemical
CO sensing technology to protect you and your family from the dangers
of CO. This unit includes two 1.5V AA battery backup that provides
continuous monitoring of CO levels, even during power outages, when
AC units are not providing protection. The CO detector has a loud 85-decibel
alarm, is UL listed and protected by a five-year limited warranty.
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| Q8: |
How many alarms do I need in my
house? How much square footage will one alarm cover? |
| A8: |
The new law mandates that every dwelling unit must be
equipped with at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating
condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.
A dwelling unit, defined as a room or suite of rooms used for human
habitation, would include a single-family residence as well as each
living unit of a multiple-family residence and each living unit in
a mixed use building.
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| Q9: |
What happens during a power outage? |
| A9: |
The First Alert CO detector comes two 1.5V AA batteries
backup. The batteries ensure continued detection and warning even during
a power outage.
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| Q10: |
What does the Peak level Memory
function do? |
| A10: |
Peak Level Memory stores the highest recoded reading prior
to being reset. This feature enables you to know if there was a reading
while you were away from home.
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| Q11: |
What is the life expectancy on
CO detectors? |
| A11: |
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. The
First Alert CO detector comes with a 5 year limited warranty.
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