Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as
“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart
rate.
Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure,
death.
A high level of CO for a short period (e.g. 350 ppm CO for 30 minutes) will cause
the same symptoms, a slight headache, as a lower level for a longer time (e.g. 150
ppm for 90 minutes). Table A shows how exposure to different concentrations of
CO generally affects people. Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide poisoning
indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disorientated
that they are unable to save themselves by either leaving the building or calling for
assistance. Young children and household pets may be the first affected.
2.3 What happens when your CO Alarm detects Carbon Monoxide ?
When the Alarm detects potentially dangerous levels of CO, it flashes the red alarm
light immediately and then sounds a loud alarm if the CO persists. Table B below
shows how the CO Alarm reacts to different levels of CO gas and exposure time.
At higher levels of CO the alarm turns on sooner. The rate of flashing of the red
light indicates the level of CO.
If your CO Alarm sounds follow the instructions on page 19.
When ventilation is provided by leaving the window and doors open, the CO build
up may have dissipated by the time help arrives and the alarm may have stopped
sounding. Although your problem may appear temporarily solved it is crucial that
the source of the CO is determined and appropriate repairs made.
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