According to Dr. Marc Bayer, Medical Director, Connecticut Poison Control Center, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause neurological problems, learning disabilities and developmental trouble in children and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth for women exposed during pregnancy. The increased danger the very young face from carbon monoxide is due to higher oxygen requirements for smaller bodies. Because children have faster metabolic rates than adults, they require more oxygen for vital organs such as the brain and the heart. It has been my experience that unborn babies are more sensitive to carbon monoxide due to the persistence of fetal carboxyhemoglobin in their blood. Fetal hemoglobin, as opposed to the adult type, binds carbon monoxide with a much greater affinity.
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned.
To help combat the dangers of carbon monoxide in the home. This detector is designed to give an early warning to the presence of carbon monoxide. Because it does not require household current, the First Alert Self Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector will continue to protect even during a power outage, a time when alternative heat sources are commonly used. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom provide extra protection.