Nighthawk KN-COEG-3 manual Part Three What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds, Mid Levels

Part Three – What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds

Learn the difference between dangerous levels, high levels, mid levels and low levels for an average healthy adult:

Dangerous levels, when someone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and CO readings are generally above 100 ppm. Anytime someone is experiencing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning this should be treated as an EMERGENCY. Follow the instructions on page 4-1.

High levels, generally above 100 ppm, with no one experi- encing symptoms. This should be treated as an URGENT situation. Follow the instructions on page 4-1.

Mid levels, generally between 50 ppm to 100 ppm. This should be cause for CONCERN and should not be ignored or dismissed. Follow the instructions on page 4-1.

Low levels, generally below 50 ppm. This indicates a need to watch the situation closely to see if it resolves itself or worsens. Follow the instructions on page 4-2.

Determine if anyone in the household is at high risk for CO poisoning:

Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disorient- ed they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance.

You should take extra precautions to protect high risk persons from CO exposure because they may experience ill effects from car- bon monoxide at levels that would not ordinarily affect a healthy adult. Are there any infants or small children in the home? Be sure to check them for signs of possible CO poisoning because they might have trouble explaining their symptoms. Infants and children are more susceptible to CO poisoning than a healthy adult.

Pregnant women should be aware that their unborn fetus could be harmed by exposure to carbon monoxide, even when the mother suffers no ill effect herself. Any pregnant woman who suspects she may have been exposed to carbon monoxide should immediately contact her physician.

Is there anyone in the household who is elderly, or who has anemia, heart disease or respiratory problems, emphysema or chronic bron- chitis? These individuals are at higher risk for CO poisoning and for health problems from exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide.

If anyone in the household is at high risk for CO poisoning, we urge you to take extra precaution to prevent possible poisoning. You should consider a more sensitive alarm for your home safety. If the unit alarms or if CO readings are shown on the digital display, remove the at-risk person from the premises, if possible. Ventilate the area. The high-risk person(s) should not re-enter the residence until the source of the CO problem has been identified and corrected.

Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure:

Low Levels:

Generally 50 ppm and below.

Mid Levels:

Generally 50 ppm to 100 ppm.

High Levels:

Generally 100 ppm and above if no one is experiencing symptoms.

Dangerous Levels: Generally 100 ppm and above if someone is experiencing symptoms.

Concentration
of CO in Air	Approximate Inhalation Time and Symptoms Developed
(ppm = parts per million)
50 ppm	The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure for healthy adults
	in any 8-hour period, according to OSHA*.
200 ppm	Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.
400 ppm	Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours.
800 ppm	Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within
	2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.
1,600 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.
3,200 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400 ppm	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800 ppm	Death within 1-3 minutes.	* Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Reminder: This chart relates to the exposure of healthy adults. Read the info above for descriptions of those who are at higher risk.

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