There are 27 states and the District of Columbia that require carbon monoxide detectors in private dwellings via state statute: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia (via adoption of the International Residential Code), Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. “It confuses you.” Johnson said there was evidence on Lauren’s phone that she had tried to call for help.īut other states are on board with the cheap fix. It can happen very quickly,” Johnson said. “We, as a government … I think have to be mindful of not imposing regulations on private enterprise,” Skroch said following the veto.īut Johnson points out, it’s a simple, cheap fix, and some think they can just call for help if they start having CO poisoning symptoms. Kathy Skroch, who believes it’s a personal responsibility. It would have required residential rental property that includes a wood or other fuel-fired fireplace, heater or appliance or an attached garage to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms, with some exceptions. Doug Burgum vetoed a bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in certain rental properties. Johnson testified for that legislation and has testified in other states. The Nebraska law requires that dwellings with a “fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage” have detectors on each habitable floor. 1, 2016, CO law requires that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all residences that are sold, rented or significantly renovated. In December 2015, Nebraska adopted a similar law. “It’s such an easy fix,” he added, referring to CO detectors. “We encourage people to think about their young adults,” Johnson said. Lauren died at the age of 23 in her Denver apartment. In fact, the bill did not pass the first year it was introduced. Getting the bill passed was not easy, according to Don Johnson, president of The Lauren Project, an organization dedicated to preventing similar tragedies by providing CO education, along with carbon monoxide detectors and advocating for legislation. This bill went into effect on July 1, 2009, requiring that all single and multi-family residences that have a fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage that are sold, rented, remodeled or repaired, by law, has to have a carbon monoxide detector. Some states have taken CO poisoning to the capitol, to try to slow the silent killer down.Īfter a series of tragic CO poisoning deaths in Colorado in late 2008 and early 2009, then-Governor Bill Ritter signed House Bill 09-1091, also known as Lofgren and Johnson Families Carbon Monoxide Safety Act, into law. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms. Also, alcohol or drugs can play a role in intensifying CO poisoning. The effect of CO is heightened with a change in elevation. Turn off appliances and open doors and windows.Īnother piece to keep in mind is altitude. ![]() Anyone exposed to CO emissions, complaining of headaches, dizziness, weakness or excessive sleepiness, nausea, chest pain or general confusion should seek medical help immediately. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to a common cold or flu. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, smokers, and those with lung, anemia or other circulatory system problems are at higher risk. Some age groups are more vulnerable to CO poisoning. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or even partially enclosed spaces, silently poisoning people and animals.Īt high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. CO is found in fumes produced by gas ranges, vehicles, portable generators, camp stoves, lanterns or by burning charcoal and wood. ![]() The risks are elevated in confined areas, such as campers, without proper ventilation. In extreme cases, the body completely shuts down. Once the oxygen level is depleted, the body stops functioning properly. When an excess of CO is inhaled, it reduces the blood stream’s ability to hold oxygen. It is odorless and colorless, and virtually impossible to detect without help. Carbon monoxide (CO) is emitted when fuel, such as natural gas or propane, is burned.
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