Garages can be death traps because of carbon monoxide poisoning. A new company is introducing garage doors that open to let in fresh air when carbon monoxide levels trip an alarm.

Carbon monoxide is the gas that comes from car exhaust. It is a relatively non-threatening gas, except when it is allowed to condense in an enclosed area. Garages are a classic area where this can occur. Sometimes the situation involves a planned death, but many times it is simple the result of a tragedy as people don’t notice the fumes condensing. 

What is it about carbon monoxide that makes it so deadly? The problem is the gas concentration can build up very quickly. As it does, it starts to effect the central nervous system and people don’t realize they are in a dangerous situation. They will often have symptoms such as a lack of focus, headache and errors in judgment. Once the levels reach a dangerous point, they will fall into unconsciousness. Unchecked, they will die. 

John Vole of Flager Beach, Florida has set out to do something about these tragedies. He is developing a system that tie carbon monoxide detection systems into garage door systems. When the detection system senses an unsafe level of carbon dioxide, it will trigger the doors to open. Given the size of doors, this will introduce a significant amount of fresh air into the immediate garage and, if the door is open to the home, into the home as well. 

The system is being sold under the Second Chance name. The system and company is really in its infancy, but the approach appears to really work. The current cost of a Second Chance system is $99 and upgrades are being made constantly.