The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) recommends installing a certified carbon monoxide detector inside all public buildings and residential buildings where a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel is used. This is a responsible, efficient, simple and low-cost action to implement.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas which is colorless, odorless and non-irritating. It is nevertheless considered a toxic gas which may even be deadly. Several appliances can emit CO, causing intoxications ranging from slight to severe, to deadly. This gas can come from:
Even if under normal use such appliances and machines do not present any danger, carbon monoxide intoxication may occur if they operate poorly or if they are used inside a poorly ventilated area.
A CO detector is similar to a smoke detector. It operates the same way, either with a battery or on the main power supply system, and can be purchased at a low cost in any hardware store. This safety device is designed to emit an alarm signal upon detecting the presence of this noxious gas in any health-threatening concentration.
Attention! A conventional smoke alarm system does not detect the presence of carbon monoxide!
The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the symptoms of the flu, of food poisoning or of gastroenteritis:
If you or other occupants experience these symptoms, promptly move to a well-ventilated area and verify your condition. If the symptoms persist, do seek medical help and mention that you might have been exposed to CO. A serious intoxication may lead to death in a matter of a few minutes.
If your alarm activates, or if you experience the symptoms of CO gas poisoning:
