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