Carbon monoxide home detectors

The personal security of our citizens also benefits directly from science and technology. Our police forces are equipped with light, strong bulletproof vests made of modem synthetic materials, and fire rescue personnel wear protective clothing made from temperature-resistant polymers. The smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in our homes are based on chemical processes that detect dangerous substances. Personal security is enhanced in the broadest sense by water purification and by the chemical testing procedures that assure us of clean water and food. 

Carbon monoxide detectors in all homes are highly recommended. This is a simple and inexpensive measure to avoid possible tragedy. After completing the research for this box, we immediately purchased several new CO detectors for our homes. 

In many areas, it is mandatory for every home to have a carbon monoxide detector, like the one shown below. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you can buy one at a hardware store for a modest price. It could end up saving your life. 

Earlier in the chapter, you learned that poisonous carbon monoxide can form during incomplete hydrocarbon combustion. The use of carbon monoxide detectors in homes and businesses has reduced the number of deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Are all carbon monoxide detectors the same Telephone your local fire department, go to a library, or search the Internet to find out about carbon monoxide detectors. 

This table can also serve as a crude guide to help us think about the placement of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Smoke detectors should be placed on ceihngs since, although smoke is relatively heavy in term of its constituents, it will always be very hot, which wiU always produce a relatively low density. Hot air rises is the rule of thumb in this matter. Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, can be placed at any location since the CO has the same density as air. Leaking CO will likely be slightly warmer than ambient air since it is the product of some incomplete combustion but mixing and convection effects will not allow it to pool at the ceiling. CO detector manufacturers recommend eye level placement of CO detectors more to keep them away from pets and children than for any reasons related to density. 

Carbon monoxide is rarely used in the laboratory, and you are more likely to encounter risk from carbon monoxide poisoning at home. Carefully examine all potential sources of carbon monoxide to ensure that you and others are not exposed. Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive, and, along with smoke detectors, every home that uses any gas or fuel-fired appliance should have one. 

Carbon monoxide concentrations are often monitored in our own homes using commercially available detectors. 

Small wall- or ceiling-mounted carbon monoxide detectors can be useful and part of an overall home safety program. But keep in mind the following ... 

Most of today s home-use carbon monoxide detectors aren t as technologically reliable as smoke detectors, and... 

The installation and use of carbon monoxide detectors is no substitute for the proper use and maintenance of combustion devices in the home. 

Carbon monoxide detectors are in widespread use in the workplace and home. Metal oxide (e.g. Sn02) semiconductor and electrochemical sensors are commonly used, (a) Explain how an Sn02 sensor for CO works, (b) An electrochemical sensor employs platinum electrodes with aqueous sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. CO is oxidized at the anode. Write half equations for the anode and cathode reactions. Outline how the cell works as a quantitative sensor for CO. 

Carbon monoxide detectors are now available to reduce the risk of poisoning from defective home heating systems. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that all homes have a CO detector with a UL iabel. 

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