Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Goes Into Effect Friday
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Carbon monoxide detectors will become mandatory in many California homes on July 1.
The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires that residents of single family homes with an attached garage or fossil fuel source install a CO detector.
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KNX 1070 reports.
Kevin Nida of the California State Firefighters Association recommends, "one for each level of the home and in each sleeping area."
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that can become deadly within minutes. Symptoms of CO poisoning often include dizziness, nausea and headaches.
"We have 30 to 40 deaths a year in the state of California, about 300 to 400 hospital emergency visits and these are just the cases we are able to find," Nida says.
Failing to install a CO alarm could result in a $200 fine.
Owners of multi-family leased or rental homes and apartments have until Jan. 1, 2012 to comply with the new law.
