Fetal Damage from Low CO Levels

This is huge! A recently released UCLA study has shown that levels of  of carbon monoxide cause damage to fetal rats at much lower levels than was previously thought to be dangerous.  For more information – here is the link: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/ucla-study-uncovers-how-chronic-94824.aspx

:114 Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Welcome to today’s 1:5:10:365 Tip for becoming a better steward for our home and planet.

1:5:10:114 EcoTip: Carbon Monoxide Detectors may look like a smoke detector, but they can help alert you to another deadly hazard that is a colorless odorless gas. Most people think of Carbon Monoxide poisoning as being a winter hazard, but can be a problem any time of year if combustion appliances are in use. If you don’t already have one – its a small investment. If you have one – test it to be sure the batteries are in good shape and it is working.

***********************************

 Additional Information

Suggested Review – :112, :113

Here’s what EPA says: Consider installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas which at high levels can cause serious illness and death. CO alarms are widely available and should be considered a back-up to BUT NOT A REPLACEMENT for proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CO alarms are designed to warn you of any unusual build-up of CO in your home. These higher levels of CO may occur from improperly maintained, installed or used fuel-burning appliances, backdrafting appliances or fireplaces, or idling cars in garages. If a CO alarm is to be installed:

1. Make sure the device is certified to the most current Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard 2034 or the International Approval Services (IAS) 6-96 standard.
2. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area.

 Be aware of all instructions and warnings associated with the CO alarm.

You can read more EPA information on Carbon Monoxide and detecors at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

 Would you like to receive an email alert for each new 1:5:10:365 EcoTip? Sign up for a Google Alert.