Cold, flu or Carbon Monoxide?

Did you know: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America?

CO is called the “silent killer” because you can’t see, smell or taste it. Each year it proves fatal for dozens of North Americans, and makes many more thousands sick with what they think is the flu.  Most CO poisonings occur during heating season which coincides with the cold and flu season.  Because symptoms of CO poisoning mimic the flu, it is often misdiagnosed.

While you may have a CO unit in your home, either hardwired or plugged in, you should be aware of the limitations of the retail brand alarms. Retail brand carbon monoxide alarms are designed to meet governing standards such as UL Standard UL2034, or related Canadian standard CSA 6.19. These alarms (at these standards) are primarily designed to protect healthy adults from high levels of carbon monoxide but don’t fully protect the typical family – especially the unborn, small children and the elderly or sick.

Did You Know?

The governing standards do not require an alarm to ever alarm for concentrations below 70 PPM. Unfortunately, CO poisoning symptom can occur at much lower levels of CO.  “Low-level” CO Health monitors are different and focus on accuracy in low level readings. Display ranges from 5PPM to 50PPM rather than the Canadian standard which alarms at 70 PPM and above.

This heating season be aware and provide real protection for your family!