Although the resultant oxygen deficiency is a reversible chemical asphyxia, nevertheless, the damage done by severe asphyxia from any cause may not be reversible. The primary source of carbon monoxide is the burning of carbonaceous material, such as, coal, wood, paper, oil, gas, gasoline, or any other organic materials. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion and is not likely to result where a flame burns in an abundant air supply without contacting a surface. Whenever a flame touches a surface that is cooler than the ignition temperature of the gaseous part of the flame, carbon monoxide may result. Notorious in this respect are hot water heaters.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has about the same specific weight of air.
Therefore, in its put states, it cannot be detected by human sensory organs and it will disperse evenly in air. To protect against its insidious nature, carbon monoxide detectors are needed. Detectors provide that added safety factor needed to protect human life. There are numerous carbon monoxide detectors on the market. They range from hand-held or fixed, industrial units to fixed, household units.