Just how sick people get from carbon monoxide exposure varies greatly from person to person, depending on age, overall health, the concentration of the exposure, and the length of exposure. Higher concentrations are dangerous even for a short time. Household carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air corresponds to 10 percent carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood. Since 10 percent COHb is at the very low end of carbon monoxide poisoning, the alarm may sound before people feel particularly sick. Carbon monoxide detectors are not substitutes for smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors react to fire byproducts.
Before carbon monoxide detectors will sound off, smoke detectors will give an earlier warning of a fire, providing more time to escape. To guard against smoke and fire, be sure that your home has working smoke detectors on every level and just outside and inside of all sleeping areas. Know the difference between the sound of the smoke detectors and the sound of the carbon monoxide detector. Have a home evacuation plan for any emergency and practice the home evacuation plan with all members of the household. Your opportunity to recycle your Christmas tree ends Jan. 31.