Final answer:
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas emitted by fuel burning items in the home. A carbon monoxide detector is important because it is tasteless and odorless. Placing carbon monoxide detectors in the home can help save lives by alerting people to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can be emitted by fuel burning items in the home. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector because this gas is tasteless and odorless, making it difficult to detect without a detector. Other household gases like ammonia or natural gas usually have distinctive odors, which can serve as a warning sign. Placing carbon monoxide detectors in the home can help alert people to a build-up of carbon monoxide, potentially saving lives.