Brooks is a family owned and operated Australian company who commenced operations in 1973. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry and are committed to providing quality, reliable products to safeguard you and your family.
- 30 Apr. 2024
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas. It is absorbed by red blood cells in the lungs in preference to Oxygen - this results in rapid damage to the heart and brain from Oxygen starvation.
The effects of CO poisoning look similar to flu - with symptoms like headaches, drowsiness, nausea and fatigue. Small leaks can leave lasting damage to a person's lungs, heart and brain if exposed over long periods of time. In bad CO leaks, a person can be left unconscious and dying within minutes.
Any household appliance that burns natural gas, coal, oil, bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel or charcoal will produce some levels of CO. The level produced will vary depending on the type of fuel being burnt and the quality of the service and maintenance of the appliance(s).
Always fit a CO alarm in rooms with fuel burning appliances. Fitting at least 2 interconnected alarms will enhance early detection of CO and raise the alarm sound levels throughout the house. If there is only one appliance in the house consider fitting an additional alarm in the bedroom area.
CO alarms must always be fitted in conjunction with a standard smoke alarm as they are not intended to be used as the sole detection device.
The optimum (minimum +) CO protection for rooms in your home are:
- Living rooms with high occupancy
- Bedrooms above or adjacent to room with appliance
- Rooms with chimney breasts passing through them, e.g. upstairs bedroom
- Rooms with portable gas / oil heaters
- Parking garages
| Concentration of CO in Air (ppm*) | Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed |
|---|---|
| 35 | The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure to any 8 hour period according to Occupational Safety & Health Association. |
| 150 | Slight headache after 1.5 hours. |
| 200 | Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours. |
| 400 | Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours, also maximum parts per million in flue gas (on an air free basis) according to US Environmental Protection Agency. |
| 800 | Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours. |
| 1,600 | Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour. |
| 3,200 | Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes. |
| 6,400 | Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes. |
| 12,800 | Death within 1-3 minutes. |
* ppm = parts per million
It is imperative that appliances are maintained and serviced every two years. Install CO detectors and test regularly to make all family members familiar with their distinctive sound. Make everyone aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning. Have all appliances serviced regularly, ensure that air vents are not blocked.
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