Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion of carbon containing materials. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology and most people do not realize they are being poisoned. Small CO concentrations can be harmful over an extended period of time, while large concentrations can be harmful very quickly.
A carbon monoxide detector is a device designed to detect the presence of CO gas. They measure CO levels over time and sound an alarm before dangerous levels can accumulate, giving people adequate warning to safely ventilate the area or evacuate.
Whereas smoke detectors detect smoke generated by flaming or smoldering fires, CO detectors detect CO build-up caused by a malfunctioning fuel-burning device. In residence halls, some common sources of CO are boilers, space heaters, water heaters and blocked chimneys.
The William & 玛丽 campus has 140 CO detectors in various locations. The batteries are changed every summer and inventory is maintained by Facilities Management.
