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New California state law requires carbon-monoxide detectors in
homes. 

Release #:11-46
Date:10/27/2011

ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990

CONTACT:
Dimitri Stanich
916-322-2825
dstanich@arb.ca.gov


Carbon Monoxide: Deadly in enclosed rooms

New California state law requires carbon-monoxide detectors in
homes

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board, CAL FIRE - Office of the
State Fire Marshal and the Department of Public Health are urging
Californians to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by having
detectors installed and gas appliances inspected.

A new state law effective just this summer requires every
California home with an attached garage or gas-using appliance to
have an operational carbon-monoxide sensor installed. Carbon
monoxide poisoning can strike wherever combustion occurs in
enclosed areas, including: homes, recreational vehicles, cabins,
tents and houseboats. Vigilance is the key to avoiding tragedy.

"Carbon monoxide deaths are preventable,” said ARB Chairman Mary
D. Nichols.  “Having the required alarms and your gas-using
appliances inspected are simple steps that will protect you and
your family.”

Each year, about 30 Californians die from accidental carbon
monoxide poisoning and over 600 others go to emergency rooms for
non-lethal exposures. Warning signs of exposure are headache,
drowsiness, nausea and inability to concentrate; these symptoms
will go away when the affected person is removed from the area
and given fresh air.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, claiming too many lives each
year,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, CAL FIRE.
“Having a CO detector is a small investment that really can help
save your life and the lives of your family.”

More than half of all carbon monoxide poisoning deaths are from
malfunctioning or improperly vented gas appliances in homes. The
others come from a variety of combustion sources including: BBQs,
kerosene space heaters, generators and fireplaces.

“Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood's ability to carry oxygen to
body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain,”
said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of
Public Health. “It is especially dangerous for young children and
individuals with heart disease, so it is crucial that people take
preventative measures such as having a properly working carbon
monoxide detector.”

ARB recommends that people:

    * Properly use and maintain appliances that produce a flame
such as furnaces and gas and propane space heaters;
    * Never use gas ovens to heat the home;
    * Never use kerosene or propane space heaters, charcoal
grills, barbecues, or unvented gas logs indoors;
    * Use caution when heating with propane appliances, older
wall or floor gas furnaces and fireplaces;
    * Obtain annual check-ups of all gas appliances by a
qualified professional;
    * Use state fire-marshal approved carbon monoxide detectors
that sound an alarm;
    * Place emergency generators outdoors away from windows and
doors preventing fumes from entering the home; and,
    * Be especially careful with appliances in recreational
vehicles, cabins and houseboats, and use carbon monoxide
detectors specifically made for these locations. 


In addition, do not to operate cars or other internal combustion
engines in enclosed spaces or attached garages. A third of carbon
monoxide poisoning deaths are the result of accidental exposure
from vehicles running in closed garages.

ARB data show that outdoor carbon-monoxide levels rise throughout
California between the months of November and March because of
the lack breezes which would eliminate stagnant weather
conditions. These levels have been measured in covered garages
and at busy intersections. Rising levels of outdoor carbon
monoxide may generate health complaints in sensitive people.

For more information on the state law requiring the installation
of sensors in homes, contact the California Housing and Community
Development at 916-445-9471.

For more information on indoor combustion pollutants, see our
indoor air quality guideline entitled "Combustion Pollutants in
Your Home" at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/combustf.htm
.

ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare,
and ecological resources through effective reduction of air
pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the
economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in
California to attain and maintain health based air quality
standards.

Office of Communications 1001 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814. Ph:
(916) 322-2990