Carbon Monoxide Safety Information; General Co Information; Possible Sources - Kidde SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM User Manual

Carbon Monoxide Safety Information

WARNING: Reinstall the Smoke/CO Alarm as soon as
possible to assure continuous protection.
When household cleaning supplies or similar
contaminates are used, the area must be well
ventilated. The following substances can effect the CO
sensor and may cause false readings and damage to
the sensor:
Methane, propane, iso-butane, iso-propanol, ethyl
acetate, hydrogen sulphide, sulphide dioxides, alcohol
based products, paints, thinner, solvents, adhesives,
hairspray, aftershave, perfume and some cleaning
agents.

General CO Information

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and
tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO
inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.

Possible Sources

CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel:
petrol, propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be
produced by any fuel-burning appliance that is
malfunctioning, improperly installed, or not ventilated
correctly. Possible sources include boilers, gas stoves,
gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable gas/paraffin
heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and certain
swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or flues,
back drafting and changes in air pressure, corroded or
disconnected vent pipes, and a loose or cracked boiler
heat exchanger can also cause CO. Vehicles and other
combustion engines running in an attached garage and
using a charcoal/gas grill in an enclosed area are all
possible sources of CO.
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