You’re just settling into your seat for a lengthy flight when it hits you: how will I know if the cabin is suddenly filled with toxic carbon monoxide (CO) gas? Well, technology may have an answer.
Perhaps you’ve heard that your phone can detect environmental hazards like CO. Is this true? Could you get a warning of potential poisoning before it’s too late? It turns out that, yes, some phones do have CO-detection capabilities—but not all of them!
In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what phones are capable of sensing when it comes to carbon monoxide and other threat-level gasses. We’ll also discuss whether or not these warnings should be trusted and how you can take steps to ensure your safety. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?
A gas that has no flavor, color, or odor, carbon monoxide (CO) can be fatal in high concentrations. It replaces the oxygen that your body needs to survive if it enters your lungs. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms might include headaches, lightheadedness, confusion, and in severe cases, even death.
What Technology Can Detect Carbon Monoxide?
Many individuals are unsure if their phone can detect carbon monoxide at all. Indeed, that is feasible, is the response. Apple Watch and iPhones have the ability to recognize harmful gases like methane and carbon monoxide.
With the development of smartphones, it is now possible to use them as sensors that can detect gases like carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide. Also, a lot of modern smart carbon monoxide detectors are capable of sending notifications to your smartphone whenever any kind of gas is found. For people who live in homes where there is a higher danger of CO exposure, this offers piece of mind.
So not only does your phone have the potential to alert you when there’s an issue with CO levels, but you can also use your phone itself as a detector of toxic gasses – if need be. This way, you are always able to keep track of your environment and know when it’s safe to stay or evacuate the area.
Limitations to App-Based Carbon Monoxide Detection
You may have heard that smartphones have apps that can detect carbon monoxide poisoning. While this sounds like a great idea, there are still some limitations with this technology.
Specialized sensors needed
First, specialized sensors are needed for accurate carbon monoxide detection. Standard phone sensors are simply not sensitive enough to pick up on dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air — so you would need a dedicated sensor installed in your phone that is specially designed to detect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Research is still ongoing
Second, while many of these apps that claim to detect carbon monoxide poisoning have been tested in laboratories, further research is needed to test them in real-world environments to see how accurately they can detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Finally, even if such an app were available, it is important to note that it would not replace traditional CO detectors — it would simply be an additional resource for people to use if they want extra security when it comes detecting potential CO poisoning in their home or elsewhere.
Alternatives to App-Based Detection
Now, you might be wondering if there are any alternative ways for your phone to detect any carbon monoxide in your home? The answer is yes.
One of the best solutions is to get a dedicated carbon monoxide detector, which can be installed in your home with ease. These detectors monitor levels of the gas and will sound an alarm if anything gets too high.
Investing in a smart smoke detector with two detectors—one for smoke and one for carbon monoxide—is an additional option. You are completely protected from both fire and carbon monoxide with this approach.
Another choice to think about is a NASA module that transforms a smartphone into a full-fledged gas sensor. The module detects any changes in air pressure, which can notify the user when carbon monoxide levels have increased.
How to Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide
It’s not possible for your phone to sense carbon monoxide directly, but it can be a source of information that can help you detect it. You should be aware of the following dangerous CO symptoms and steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide
If you feel any of these symptoms, it could be an indication of CO poisoning:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Shortness of breath/chest pain
If any members of your household experience these symptoms, it’s important that you get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911.
Steps For Prevention
- The only method to ensure that carbon monoxide isn’t in your home is to take precautions as it is an odorless, colorless gas.
- Annual maintenance should be performed on heating systems, water heaters, and other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances.
- Put carbon monoxide detectors outside of all rooms used for sleeping and on each floor of the house.
- Battery changes for carbon monoxide alarms should be regular.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for your phone to sense carbon monoxide. While there are some phones that have been designed to detect carbon monoxide, most phones don’t come with that capability. There are also a growing number of apps and gadgets available that you can use to monitor your indoor air quality, so you can always be sure that the air you’re breathing is safe.
While carbon monoxide detectors are still the best way to guard against toxic levels of carbon monoxide, having a phone that can detect it can add an extra layer of security to your home. So before you head off to bed or your next vacation, be sure to check if your phone can sense carbon monoxide—and stay safe.
