10 Things to Know about Carbon Monoxide

Several times a year, firefighters in Milford are called to houses or structures to investigate carbon monoxide levels. Sometimes, the residents have an alarm sounding. Other times, people have called 911 because they feel sick.

Last week, the occupants of a multi-family structure on Water Street were evaluated after a woman called police, complaining of abdominal pain. The house had carbon monoxide, or CO, detectors, said Lt. Mark Nelson of the Milford Fire Department. In that case, there were low readings for carbon monoxide, and it wasn't clear if the woman's symptoms were caused by it.

Milford Patch asked Nelson to explain what carbon monoxide is, and who needs a CO detector.

Q: What creates carbon monoxide in a structure? 

A: Carbon monoxide is created by fossil-fuel burning appliances, including oil, propane, gasoline and natural gas appliances, including generators and heaters. The appliance could be working properly, but the venting through a chimney or pipe may be malfunctioning.

Q: What makes it so dangerous?

A: It's poisonous, odorless, colorless, tasteless. Initial symptoms of CO-poisoning mimic the flu. "You really need a detector in your home," Nelson said.

Q: Is a CO detector required in all homes?

A: New construction requires CO detectors on all levels of a habitable structure, including the basement, whether it's finished or not. Since March 2006, all residences need a CO detector on each habitable level provided the house has either a fossil-fuel burning device, a fireplace or an attached garage. That isn't grandfathered, so if your house was built prior to 2006, you still need to comply with the law for a CO detector on all habitable floors. The older homes, however, don't require a CO detector in the basement if it is unfinished.

Q: Where should the monitor be placed?

A: On a floor with no bedrooms, place it in a central location and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation. On a floor with bedrooms, place it within 10 feet of a bedroom door, but not in the bedroom. The detector should not be in a room where the door might be closed at night.

Q: What kind should people buy?

A: There are several kinds of CO detectors, in all shapes and sizes. Make sure it has working batteries. The detector is only good for 5 to 7 years, so many people who bought them when the law first took effect will now need to replace them. The detectors have an end-of-life alarm that people sometimes mistake for a CO reading.

Q: How often does the Fire Department respond to CO incidents?

A: Several incidents a year. Sometimes people will call when the alarm is sounding, and it's a low-battery alarm. Or it can be a real problem. CO poisons people by removing the oxygen from the bloodstream. People may become irrational when this happens and can't help themselves. "You don't know it's happening."

Q: Are carbon monoxide incidents only happening in winter months?

A: It can happen at any time. "I've gone to incidents in the summer."

Q: In the case of rental properties, does the tenant or landlord make sure the CO detector is installed?

A: It is the landlord's responsibility to provide a CO detector on each floor and to put in fresh batteries each year. And the detector needs to be replaced within 5 to 7 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Q: When does the Fire Department inspect for CO detectors?

A: Multi-family structures are inspected regularly for compliance. With single-family homes, the Fire Department will inspect on a property sale, and require that CO detectors be installed as required by law. 

Q: How can people help avoid a CO problem?

A: Property owners should have their heating systems serviced once a year by a licensed company.