Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide.  On average between 1 and 2 people die each year in Ireland from unintentional CO poisoning in the home in incidents related to domestic heating or other fossil fuel installations in the home.

Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour. This is why it is sometimes called the “Silent Killer”

Carbon Monoxide alarms can be used as a backup to provide a warning to householders in the event of a dangerous build up of CO. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. Remember that Carbon Monoxide alarms are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys.

Physiological Effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Parts per Million Time of Exposure Response
50 Threshold limit, no apparent toxic symptoms
100 Several hours No symptoms for long periods
200 2-3 hours Possible headache
400 1-2 hours Frontal headache and nausea
800 45 minutes Headache, dizziness and nausea
800 2 hours Collapse and possible unconsciousness
1600 20 minutes Headache, dizziness and nausea
1600 2 hours Collapse, unconsciousness, possible death
3200 5-10 minutes Headache and dizziness
3200 10-15 minutes Unconsciousness and possible death
6400 1-2 minutes Headache and dizziness
6400 0-15 minutes Unconsciousness and possible death
12800 Immediate Unconsciousness
12800 1-3 minutes Danger of death