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Carbon monoxide ... the silent killer with an audible solution
E P Krenzelok1, R Roth, R Full
1Pittsburgh Poison Center, PA 15213, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors with audible alarms are effective. They alert individuals to dangerous CO levels, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing symptoms from CO poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a leading cause of poisoning fatalities.
- CO poisoning symptoms can be non-specific, mimicking common illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Audible CO detectors offer a crucial early warning system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of audible carbon monoxide detectors in alerting individuals to CO exposure.
- To assess the prevalence of CO and associated symptoms in homes with and without functioning CO detectors.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 101 calls to 911 related to CO detector alarms or suspected CO poisoning.
- Paramedic crews responded to and assessed each incident.
- Measured CO concentrations and documented victim symptoms.
Main Results:
- Audible CO detectors initiated 59.4% of the investigated calls.
- Detectable CO levels were present in 69.3% of investigations; 80% of homes with detectors had verifiable CO.
- Victims with alarms were symptomatic 13.3% of the time, compared to 63.4% without alarms.
Conclusions:
- Audible CO detectors are effective in alerting individuals to the presence of dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
- The presence of CO detectors significantly reduces the likelihood of individuals becoming symptomatic from CO exposure.
- Widespread use of audible CO detectors can mitigate CO poisoning fatalities.