Carbon Monoxide Detectors

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Carbon monoxide can be found in a wide variety of places and is caused by a number of household items. To combat the threats of carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon dioxide detectors are available. In order to get the most from one’s detector, it is important to understand how to detectors work and what their limitations are.

Carbon monoxide detectors work much like ordinary smoke detectors. The detector measures carbon monoxide and, when the amount reaches a certain threshold, an alarm is triggered. Carbon monoxide is a danger to people of all ages and can cause harm even if exposure is just for a short period. Lower levels of carbon monoxide can pose a significant threat if the exposure comes over a longer period. Detectors of carbon monoxide require a constant, continuous power supply. To ensure that people are protected even without power, many come with battery back-ups.

The compound of carbon monoxide is dangerous when it is inhaled. When inhaled, it passes from the lungs to the red blood cells. Once in the bloodstream, it binds to the hemoglobin preventing oxygen from being taken into the bloodstream and being distributed to the organs of the body. Because of the lack of oxygen, the organs start to experience tissue damage and even death. Low levels of carbon monoxide can produce symptoms similar to the flu or to the common cold. Higher levels of exposure and poisoning lead to dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, and fainting.

As carbon monoxide is so serious, a faulty or ineffective detector presents a serious health risk.

Contact a Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyer

If you have been injured by carbon monoxide as a result of a faulty carbon monoxide detector, contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130.