Carbon monoxide detectors with differentiated (e.g., dual-signal) alarms were recently introduced to the home market. Public hearings held earlier this year by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission debated the value of dual-signal versus single alarm detectors. Several issues relevant to this topic include: (1) vulnerable populations who would benefit from early warning alarms; (2) human capability to distinguish between dual-signal alarm sounds; and (3) burden to first responders. Each of these factors and relevant research is discussed.
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