SINGAPORE: A local company has developed a carbon monoxide detector that checks the presence of the harmful gas, which could cause health problems.

Its creator Techpro Electronics said research showed that some 400,000 motorists in Singapore are at risk of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide usually enters the vehicle through corroded floor boards, air condition vents, and improper retrofit work.

But with the new technology, when the gas builds up to an unhealthy level of over 100 parts per million, the device – Coprotector - will be triggered.

Techpro Electronics said the product is useful for those who spend prolonged period of time in vehicles, such as taxi drivers and delivery staff.

Desmond Yee, sales and marketing director at Techpro Electronics, said: "Even when you are moving very slowly or not moving at all, there are cases where you have a lot of cars in front (of) and behind you which... create carbon monoxide that will go into your car."

Carbon monoxide poisoning may not always be fatal, but it could damage major organs in the body, and cause headache and fatigue.

But Xinya Auto Services owner Ng Puck Sang said, "(Gas leakage) is more prevalent in lorries. Only about 10 to 20 per cent of my customers complain about seepage of exhaust fumes."

The device is available at NTUC FairPrice Xpress outlets at S$59.90.

Taxi driver B.S. Lee said: "I do clean up so I don't smell those exhaust (fumes). Unless you don't upkeep your vehicle, then it's different."

Another taxi driver Mohamed Kassim said: "I've been driving for 26 years, I've never experienced that. My health is still good."

Vincent Goh, a sales and marketing director, said: "I spend about three to four hours a day in the car, so I think I would like to consider (purchasing) this item, mainly for the safety purpose."

Developed at a cost of S$300,000, the Coprotector will also be marketed in the US, Europe, Japan, India and Malaysia.

The company intends to launch another product - a handheld breathalyser - in July. The device, which is expected to retail at under S$30, will alert motorists when the alcohol level in their system is too high, making them unfit to drive. - CNA/ac