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Feb 14, 2007 3:04 pm US/Eastern
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Selecting The Right Carbon Monoxide Detector
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
As temperature go down this winter, thermostats go up. More heat means higher chances of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. And people may not be taking all the possible steps to protect their homes and loved ones.
Melissa Griggs and her family went to bed as usual one winter night. But when Melissa got up to go to the bathroom, she fell, it her head, and lost consciousness. Her husband Jason called for help.
"The paramedics were there, I was unconscious, Jason was delusional, not making any sense at all, "says Melissa.
They had been exposed to the deadly odorless, colorless gas – carbon monoxide. Then rescue crews found the Grigg's 3-year- old daughter Hannah. She was gone…overcome by the gas coming from a malfunctioning furnace.
"For anyone to suffer the loss of a child, you cannot possibly know that feeling unless it has happened to you," Melissa said.
Hannah's death might have been prevented if the Griggs had a working carbon monoxide detector. The devices have been required in Massachusetts since the end of March, 2006.
But what most people don't know is there are two kinds of detectors. The most common is the alarm type. It goes off when carbon monoxide levels become life-threatening at around 70 parts per million. They run from $20 to $50. More sensitive is a carbon monoxide monitor. It goes off at much lower levels (25 parts per million) which can often be the first hint of a problem. They start at around $130.
According to Steven Klossner of the American Lung Association, "There are many more thousands of people that are exposed to low levels and have what I would call flu-like symptoms for long periods of time that go undetected." And health officials say those low levels can be dangerous to pregnant women, infants, and people with heart and lung disease.
Another problem is the placement of detectors. Devices put next to your furnace may not be loud enough to wake you. While you should install a detector 25 feet from your furnace, you should also place another one within 10 feet of each bedroom. And don't place detectors too close to the garage or gas-burning appliances. Those can give false readings. And replace detectors every five to seven years.
It's up to you to decide whether you need a standard alarm or a more sensitive monitor. But think of Hannah and her family, and protect yourself now. "That may have saved her. That is something that we are going to have to live with the rest of our lives."
Another precaution: experts recommend you have your furnace inspected for cracks and leaks once a year.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)