What does a carbon monoxide detector prevent?

A carbon monoxide detector is specifically designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels. If inhaled in significant quantities, carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and even death. The purpose of the detector is to alert occupants before CO levels become dangerously high, thereby preventing poisoning.

The other options do not apply to the function of a carbon monoxide detector. For instance, while electrical fires are a serious concern, they are typically addressed with smoke detectors and proper electrical safety measures, rather than carbon monoxide detection. Similarly, airborne toxins can encompass a variety of substances that are not specifically related to carbon monoxide; other safety measures would be required to monitor and manage those toxins. Lastly, while gas leaks can pose serious risks, particularly with natural gas, these are generally detected using different types of sensors rather than carbon monoxide detectors. Therefore, the primary function of a carbon monoxide detector is to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.