The Republican

HOLYOKE, Mass. — Fire Chief David A. LaFond issues the following safety tips about carbon monoxide: Q: How can you protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning? A: Install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. However, an alarm is no substitute for safe practices. The best defenses against carbon monoxide poisoning are safe use of vehicles (particularly in attached garages) and proper installation, use, venting and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment. Q: What are carbon monoxide alarms? A: Household alarms measure how much carbon monoxide has accumulated.

Currently, CO alarms sound when the concentration of the gas in the air corresponds to 10 percent carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood. Since 10 percent carboxyhemoglobin is at the very low end of carbon monoxide poisoning, the alarm may sound before people feel particularly sick.

Most alarms now have silence/reset buttons and must be immune to elevated ambient levels such as those found in urban areas.

Full Story: Fire chief offers tips on carbon monoxide