Watch CBS News

California To Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Homes

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – A new state law, which takes effect in July, will require all existing single family homes to have carbon monoxide detectors.

CO, or carbon monoxide poisoning, is also known as the silent killer and is responsible on average for nearly 500 deaths and more than 20,000 emergency room visits a year in the United States

KCBS' Larry Chiaroni Reports:

Meri-K Appy with the Home Safety Council said it's easy for this gas to turn up in the average household.

"It could be your gas water heater, a fire place or even an attached garage because your car is warming up in the garage," she said. "All of these are potential deadly sources of CO."

Appy said that carbon monoxide detectors detect CO the same way smoke alarms detect smoke. In fact, some units can detect both.

"The recommendation is to have a CO detector on every level of your home," said Appy. "You especially want them near sleeping areas because you want an alarm that will awaken you if you're asleep."

Appy said a recent survey found that nearly nine in ten California households don't have the nationally recommended number of CO detectors in a home.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.