Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up but not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. According to NW Natural Gas Company, it is recommended that the CO detector is certified to meet the Underwriter's Laboratory standard 2034. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don't pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odorless, so it's harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.


First, don't let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm. Second, if you decide to purchase a CO detector, do some research on features and don't select solely on the basis of cost. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports), the American Gas Association (AGA), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase. Carefully follow manufacturers' instructions for its placement, use, and maintenance.

1. Confirm that it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector alarm.
2. Determine if anyone in the building is exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning i.e., headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness, disorientation, visual disturbances, chest pain (in cardiac patients), unconsciousness.
   • If yes, have all occupants immediately evacuate the building and call 911.
   • If not, operate the test/reset button if your alarm has one. If the alarm continues to sound, immediately evacuate the building and call 911. If the alarm silences, refer to your owner's manual or contact the detector's manufacture for instructions. If the alarm silences, but then reactivates, follow steps 1-4.
3. Confirm that all persons are out of the building. Do not reenter the building until the fire department arrives, ventilates the premises, and your carbon monoxide detector has been reset and the alarm remains silent.
4. If your alarm reactivates, repeat steps 1-3 and call an appropriate and certified service technician to investigate for sources of carbon monoxide from fuel burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation. The technician should also inspect all chimneys, flues, exhaust vents and fresh air intakes to make sure they are operating correctly. If problems are identified during this inspection have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturer's instructions, or contact the manufacturer directly. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the building. You can also contact the manufacturer of your carbon monoxide detector for more information about carbon monoxide safety and trouble shooting problems with their equipment.

Call or visit the website's of EPA's Indoor Air Quality INFO Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772) for more information on how to reduce your risks from carbon monoxide