Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that has no color, odor, or taste. It’s created when fuels like wood, oil, propane, natural gas and charcoal don’t fully combust. And unfortunately, its undetectable nature makes it one of the deadliest gases found in homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds of people every year, and thousands more are affected. This article answers the question: Does carbon monoxide smell? and learn how to shield your home from its threats.
Does Carbon Monoxide Smell?
Thing about carbon monoxide (CO) is that it has no odor of nature like some other gases. And it’s this lack of smell that makes CO so dangerous. They can’t sense the gas until it builds to toxic levels, which can cause serious health issues and even death. Natural gas, by contrast, is odorized with chemicals, including mercaptan, that produce a characteristic rotten egg smell, so leaks can be swiftly detected.
How Is Carbon Monoxide Detected?
Since you cannot smell carbon monoxide, it’s important to have a CO detector installed in your home. These detectors can measure carbon monoxide levels before it becomes deadly, giving you time to evacuate and contact the authorities.
There are three main classifications of carbon monoxide alarms:
- Biomimetic Sensors: These sensors utilize a gel that changes color when it absorbs CO, thus activating the alarm.
- Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensors: These work by detecting high levels of CO via changes to the electrical conductivity in their circuitry.
- Electrochemical Sensors: Most common in the United States, these types of sensors will recognize changes in electric current when there are high levels of CO.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Since there is no way to detect carbon monoxide without a proper alarm it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning. Symptoms vary by level of exposure and duration and by individual health. Symptoms of poisoning may include one or more of the following:
- Mild headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
With repeated exposure, symptoms can progress and become:
- Vomiting or stomach upset
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sudden sleepiness
- Delirium and disorientation
On a high level carbon monoxide poisoning can cause:
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Brain damage
- Death
What to Do When Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds
A CO detector’s alarm should be taken seriously—immediate action is key, if only to make sure you’re safe. Here’s what to do:
- Get out of the house: Get out of the house immediately and go to an outdoor area that is safe.
- Ventilate: When you leave, open windows and doors to help ventilate the room.
- Get outside: If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air, then call 911 or emergency services to report a possible carbon monoxide leak.
- Seek medical help: If anyone in your homes are feeling unwell, seek out medical services as soon as possible.
Opening windows can help some, but it won’t clear dangerous levels of CO from a building enough, which is why you should evacuate whenever the alarm goes off.
Where Should You Hang Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
To be effective, carbon monoxide detectors must be properly placed. Since CO is lighter than air, it’s best to mount alarms high, about five feet up on the wall. Or they can be mounted on the ceiling. Be sure to have at least one alarm on each floor of your home, and near sleeping areas. Never locate detectors near fireplaces, stoves or other heat sources.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the Home
Any appliance or tool that burns fuel can produce CO. Some common sources of carbon monoxide are:
- Boilers and water heaters
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Clothes dryers
Vehicles (especially running in adjoining garages)
- Furnaces and chimneys
- Camping stoves and fires
- Gas-Powered Tools and Generators
- Gas-powered boats and fireplaces
To reduce the risk of CO accumulating, service these appliances regularly, check vents and exhaust pipes for blockages and ensure that they work properly.
Carbon monoxide detectors are vital
The first line of defense against poisoning is a working carbon monoxide detector. It’s also important to have appliances inspected and serviced regularly to make sure they don’t fail and emit CO. Though many states have laws requiring carbon monoxide detectors in homes, it is a good idea to follow these laws.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide is a subtle and invisible danger lurking within our homes but at least one we can control with some simple precautions. You can save your family from the dangers of CO poisoning by knowing that carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell, installing detectors and maintaining appliances. Treat any alarms as serious and leave your home immediately when your detector sounds. As a reminder, prevention is crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy home for you and your family.
