How Can You Tell If You Are Being Exposed to CO? The local gas company, fire department or health department may be able to help you have the air in your home or workplace tested. CO monitors also are available for home use.
The ultimate and most accurate way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the home is with an indoor air quality test. Private companies are available to perform indoor air quality and improvement tests that include carbon monoxide testing.
A general service including a carbon monoxide test by a qualified technician will cost between $220 to $280 depending on your location.
Professional carbon monoxide testing can cost from $100 to $200+. But, most homeowners usually have carbon monoxide detectors which can range from $20 to $150+, according to Home Advisor, depending on the detector type.
If you suspect CO poisoning, always seek immediate medical advice. See your doctor or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect CO poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.
Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, a detector is the only reliable way to identify its presence. However, signs like soot buildup near appliances, pilot lights frequently going out, stale air, or excessive condensation on windows could indicate a potential issue.
To confirm the diagnosis, the health care team might test a blood sample for carbon monoxide. This test should be done as soon as possible after removing the person from the suspected exposure environment.
Testing the Air for Carbon Monoxide
Combustion analyzers are typically used by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies to measure draft, temperature, oxygen, and carbon monoxide levels generated by oil, propane, natural gas, coal, wood, and kerosene-burning furnaces.
Carbon monoxide levels must build up in your home before an alarm goes off. Since an alarm measures the amount of carbon monoxide over a certain period, it could take your detector hours to go off or 10 or 20 minutes if you have a lot of gas building up in your home.
Call your emergency services (fire department or 911). Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an open door or window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for.
The Sensorcon Inspector is a trusted tool used by police officers, service technicians, and motor vehicle operators for detecting and identifying the source of carbon monoxide leaks.
Concrete confirmation of carbon-monoxide poisoning comes from a carboxyhemoglobin test. This blood test measures the amount of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin. Blood is drawn as soon as possible after suspected exposure to carbon monoxide.
Go to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. , then tap Home Settings. Tap Safety & Security. Tap Sound Recognition, then turn on Smoke & CO Alarm.
The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances can also pose danger.
My carbon monoxide alarm is sounding. What should I do? Call 911 and report what is happening. Immediately leave your residence and wait for the fire department to arrive.
Professional Carbon Monoxide Air Test
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals have several methods for doing carbon monoxide testing. The most common method a professional will use is an ambient air tester, which will give a digital readout of CO levels.
Does Opening Windows Help With Carbon Monoxide? Opening windows helps the carbon monoxide quickly leave your home (as does opening doors). However, don't leave your exit path when getting out during this emergency to open as many windows as you can.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to CO? Immediately go outside to get fresh air, and right away call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. If you feel better when you are out of your home and worse when you return, CO may be present. If you notice this, call 911.
Co Checker is a free Android app developed by Meter App, falling under the category of Utilities & Tools. It is a simple and handy tool that helps detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the air.
If a monitor goes off or you suspect a carbon monoxide leak:
Call the PSE&G Emergency Service line at 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG) to have your appliances inspected. If the presence of carbon monoxide is confirmed, do not return until the problem is corrected and it is determined to be safe to do so.
One straightforward solution is to get carbon monoxide detectors, which resemble smoke detectors and easily install anywhere around your home. Contrary to popular belief that carbon monoxide is heavier than air, CO monitors will be equally effective no matter where you choose to place them in a room.
If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO - your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any vehicle or small engine.
In most areas, the fire department does not charge to respond to carbon monoxide alarms or to check for the presence of CO in a residence. However, policies can vary depending on the jurisdiction or specific fire department. It's always a good idea to contact your local fire department for specifics on their policies.