Protect Your Family from the Invisible Household Toxin during Poison Prevention Week

March 15, 2009, Mebane, NC— Poison Prevention Week, which runs from March 15-21, provides an opportunity for families to take steps to protect themselves from household poisons. Families, especially those with small children, most often are concerned about the toxins stored in medicine cabinets or locked away under the kitchen sink. But there is one life-threatening poison that may not come to mind— carbon monoxide (CO).

Often called the “Silent Killer,” carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can build up in the home when household fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, and generators aren't properly ventilated or maintained.  The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, nausea, and dizziness, and it can often mimic the flu.  Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it claims 500 lives and sends another 20,000 to the hospital every year. 

The only safe way to detect carbon monoxide in the home is with a working CO alarm.  But according to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research, only 43% of homeowners have one.  Much like smoke alarms, CO legislation has become a growing public policy trend. Eighteen states and major municipalities such as New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia and St. Louis have adopted laws requiring CO alarms in certain residences. 

”Families should not wait for a law to be passed to help protect themselves from carbon monoxide,” said Chris Rovenstine, VP of marketing for Kidde Residential and Commercial.  “Make sure your fuel-burning appliances are inspected every year, and if you haven’t done so already, install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home and outside of sleeping areas to help keep your family safer.”

Knowing when it’s time to replace CO alarms may be a little easier for homeowners. Beginning in March 2007, UL 2034, the independent standard that approves carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, required all CO alarms to have an end of life warning, which alerts consumers when it is time to replace the alarm.  Kidde CO alarms have included this feature since 2001; any CO alarm manufactured after April 2007 with a UL listing must contain an end of life warning.  

Kidde recommends replacing CO alarms every after seven years to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.  If you don’t know how old your CO alarm is, your best bet is to replace it.  And don’t forget to change the batteries twice a year. 

To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit www.knowaboutco.com.