Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, September 13, 1994                   TAG: 9409140078
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CARBON MONOXIDE AND COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTORS ENHANCE HOME SAFETY

A: A car should never be operated in an unventilated area. Even with an exhaust hose, residual gases can accumulate and create a hazardous condition. Auto repair shops are required to ventilate with fresh air, even during the coldest months. By installing a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, your husband can be sure he's getting enough fresh air.

Most people are surprised to learn that CO, the unavoidable byproduct of combustion, is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in this country. A faulty or leaky furnace is the most common source, particularly in today's tightly built homes. Other sources include wood stoves, gas ranges and cooking appliances - even barbecue grills. Proper ventilation is the key to safe use of these and other combustion appliances.

Until now, CO and other types of gas detectors have been limited to industrial and commercial use. Now that affordable detectors are beginning to enter the market, the Consumer Products Safety Commission strongly encourages homeowners to install them, especially in sleeping areas. As prices drop further, CO detectors are likely to be written into residential building codes.

CO is dangerous because it's invisible, tasteless and odorless. Furthermore, you can easily mistake early symptoms of CO poisoning for a virus such as the flu. Exposure to moderate levels (e.g., 200 parts per million) will cause a slight headache in about an hour. Your headache will worsen and nausea will develop with prolonged exposure. At 400 ppm, headache and nausea will develop quickly, giving way to drowsiness and dizziness after an hour or so. At this level, death generally follows in about 20 minutes.

Self-contained CO alarms are now available for about $60. Most can be connected to a whole-house security system or monitoring service. One model even includes a power line transmitter to activate a wireless remote sounder. The best models not only consider the current level but factor in length of exposure, reducing the likelihood of a false alarm. Other important features include self-supervision and a visible power indicator.

CO is not the only type of gas detector being produced for the home. Anyone who uses natural gas should add a combustible gas alarm to their priority list. Although less toxic than CO, combustible gases such as methane, propane and butane will explode at low levels. Like CO detectors, combustible gas detectors can be connected to external equipment such as an electronic whole-house shutoff valve. If you own an RV or camper, you can even get a portable gas alarm that uses rechargeable batteries.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is another frequently monitored gas, especially in work settings. It doesn't take long for a room full of people to generate enough CO2 to cause fatigue and drowsiness. A reliable indicator of indoor air quality, the CO2 level can be used to modulate a central ventilation system. This means significant energy savings over a constant ventilation system. As homes tighten up, cen tral ventilation systems are becoming increasingly common. Next time I'll discuss the latest in central home ventilators.

To receive a list of companies that manufacture carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and combustible gas detectors, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-404, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.