Carbon Monoxide or CO is commonly known as ‘The Silent Killer’. Being odorless, colorless and tasteless, it is a poisonous gas that is difficult to detect. According to the Center for Disease Control and Control, it kills approximately 500 people a year and hospitalizes 10,000 more, in the United States alone. Among the most concerning contributors to CO-related health hazards are hotels and motels without CO detectors. To date, there is no law or mandate that requires CO detectors to be placed inside these establishments; therefore, there is a significant risk of CO poisoning for travelers. The need for carbon monoxide detectors has never been more apparent.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can block the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, becoming significantly more lethal in unventilated rooms and in buildings where modern insulation limits air circulation. All appliances, heaters (including water heaters), and cars must receive regular maintenance to prevent dangerous levels of CO emissions.
Travel safety and carbon monoxide
Before you book a hotel or motel, ask if there are high-quality CO detectors installed throughout the building. By law, hotels in the United States are required to install CO detectors if they have had a prior incident of CO poisoning; however, many claim to have them installed, but to save money, they don’t.
Popular Portable Carbon Monoxide Detectors
To ensure your safety, you can take a portable carbon monoxide detector with you on your travels. The newest model is the Costar P-1, and after 5 years of off-market testing, it should be ready by January 2008 for consumer purchase. The device is small enough to fit comfortably in your car, purse, pocket, and most importantly, in your hotel room. At an average price of $45.00 US, you are buying peace of mind.
Currently, the most popular detector, according to about.com, is the First Alert Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Digital Display. This device comes with a remote control test/silence and an AC backup battery. It samples the air once per second and has an internal memory chip that stores the highest levels of carbon monoxide detected.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pains, and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death. Because the symptoms resemble those of other common illnesses, it is often difficult to determine if poisoning has occurred. If you think you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, do not hesitate to go to the nearest hospital.
The importance of a carbon monoxide detector is immeasurable, as most CO deaths occur during sleep because people do not experience any of the symptoms while sleeping. Don’t let your vacation turn into a tragedy; bring a portable CO detector.