A carbon dioxide detector  is a device that monitors levels of CO gas in the air. It is used to warn people of dangerously high levels and can help prevent accidental poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless gas that is produced by furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, gas heaters, portable generators, and vehicle exhaust. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death. Carbon monoxide detectors are usually installed near bedrooms, cooking areas, and any area where people might be using fuel-powered equipment.

Understanding the Dangers of Carbon Dioxide: Why You Need a CO2 Detector

The most common type of CO detector uses electrochemical sensors to detect carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide enters the gas-permeable compartment that houses the sensor, it causes a chemical reaction that increases the electrical current passing through the electrodes. The specific amount by which the current increases tells the sensor how much CO is in the air. Alternatively, some sensors use metal oxide technology to measure carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide comes into contact with the metal oxide, it lowers the material’s resistance to the flow of electricity. This information is sent to a microprocessor that calculates the concentration of CO in the air.

Other types of CO detectors are more sophisticated. They take inspiration from hemoglobin, the protein in blood cells that delivers oxygen to your tissues but can be hijacked by carbon monoxide to deliver it to your lungs instead. These sensors feature a gel that absorbs carbon monoxide and changes color. A light sensor then tracks the gel’s color and a microprocessor interprets the results to identify carbon monoxide.