What levels of carbon monoxide do detectors measure?
The detectors are designed to protect against acute high levels of carbon monoxide. They are NOT required to warn of low-levels of CO. The UL standard requires detectors to alarm within 90 minutes when exposed to 100 ppm; 35 minutes when exposed to 200 ppm and 15 minutes when exposed to 400 ppm. Some detectors are more sensitive and will, when exposed for many hours, detect or alarm at lower levels. If you think you are suffering from chronic, low level exposure to carbon monoxide below the detection level of residential detectors, contact your doctor immediately and have your home checked by a professional, with equipment to detect lower concentrations. What should be done if a detector alarms? If you feel symptoms of CO poisoning EVACUATE and call 9-1-1. Make certain everyone is accounted for. If you don’t have symptoms of CO poisoning, ventilate the house, press the reset button (if your detector has one), turn off the potential sources of CO, and have the home checked by a qualifie
