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Carbon monoxide levels

Posted 12/9/16

The article about Canton-Potsdam Hospital making a gift of carbon monoxide alarms to the fire department brought two thoughts to mind. First, CPH is to be applauded for the gift. The second is that …

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Carbon monoxide levels

Posted

The article about Canton-Potsdam Hospital making a gift of carbon monoxide alarms to the fire department brought two thoughts to mind. First, CPH is to be applauded for the gift. The second is that the majority of alarms available to the public sound an alarm when the carbon monoxide in the air reaches 70 parts per million. However, when the carbon monoxide level reaches 35 parts per million, you can begin to get sick. Exposure to that level over time will have serious effects on those in that home but the alarm will not go off. We need to have alarms that tell home owners exactly what the level of CO is in their homes and sound an alarm when the level is 35. Having one’s heating unit checked on a regular basis and having a professional measure the CO level is the safest way to manage this threat. Unfortunately, most people never think of this and continue to spend a good part of the year exposed to CO and suffer the effects. The most vulnerable people are senior, little ones and pregnant women and often these folks simply can’t afford to have their homes checked by professionals.