Carbon monoxide detectors necessary for safety

Carbon monoxide detectors necessary for safety

Members of the Western Alliance Code Coalition, comprised of code enforcement officials from the Villages of Brockport and Hilton, Towns of Clarendon, Hamlin, Ogden, Parma and Sweden, stress the importance of carbon monoxide detector installation.

Smoke detectors/fire alarms were mandated by State Building/Fire Codes in homes many years ago. The statistical data has shown that fire deaths and injuries have decreased due to compliance with required installation and educational endeavors. However, the latest national data has revealed an alarming increase in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to numerous contributing factors.

Hospitals and emergency services utilize national reporting databases through agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and current data shows up to 15,000 CO related injuries and 500 deaths annually. Data also reflects that indoor environments with CO exposures are higher than what was previously reported. Consumers are using even more CO producing appliances in their homes, some examples contributing to increased CO levels are decorative gas fireplaces, grills and home standby generators.

New York state has recognized that unintentional Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is on the rise and set forth new regulations requiring CO alarms in homes. Municipalities are charged with enforcing the New York State Fire Code Section 1225 amendments of December 14, 2006 regarding CO alarms.

In addition to current requirements that all new homes be outfitted with CO alarms, now all residential homes being put up for sale must have at least one CO alarm. The alarm device, whether battery operated or supplied by electrical power, needs to be placed adjacent to bedrooms. Homeowners that install any new CO producing appliance or device in a bedroom must also have a CO detector installed.

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that is nicknamed the "silent killer." When CO is present in the air, it rapidly accumulates in the blood, causing symptoms similar to the flu. Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of an illness, people do not tend to think of CO as a possible cause of their ailments. The best prevention is to install a Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm. Alarms should comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) testing protocol 2034-2002. Carbon monoxide detectors are available in stores and cost less than $40. The typical manufacturer's life expectancy is 10 years with maintenance-free operation. "That is less than $5 a year for an essential safety assurance that could save your life," members of WACC said.

Installation of CO alarms does not offer protection from the adverse effects that occur from the misuse or poor maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. Do not let buying a CO detector provide a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in the home is better than relying on an alarm.

Read and understand all the instructions for gas producing devices. Follow maintenance and service recommendations. "If you feel there is a CO problem where you are, leave the area, get out into fresh air and call 911 immediately. If you have any questions on CO alarms or gas devices, contact your local codes officials," they wrote in a press release.