SHERMAN, Tex. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of certain Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Smoke Detector Combo Alarms.

The alarms, manufactured by Maple Chase Company of Plain City Ohio bear the FireX Brand and include model 10000 Carbon Monoxide Alarms and 120000 series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms.

The Sherman Fire Marshal has found FireX Brand, Model 12000 Combination Alarms in some newer homes in Sherman, although none of the detectors were identified as included in the recall notice.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that results from incomplete combustion. In the home, sources of Carbon Monoxide include gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces. Exhaust from automobiles and other gasoline powered equipment may also cause increased levels of CO in the home.

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.

Carbon Monoxide detectors and smoke detectors should be tested on a regular schedule and the batteries should be replaced at least twice a year.

The Sherman Fire Department will provide carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to any Sherman resident that is unable to afford one.

Sherman residence who have questions or who may need a detector should call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-892-7267.

Basic Information on Carbon Monoxide from the EPA: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

Maple Chase Co. Recalls Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Combo Alarms Due to Alarm Malfunction: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08267.html