Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer

Replace batteries annually in carbon monoxide alarms and detectors
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14-91

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SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board (ARB) urges residents to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by having a carbon monoxide detection device installed and replacing batteries annually for those devices that are operated by batteries. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and having a working carbon monoxide detector is a small investment that can help save lives.

Californians are also urged to have gas appliances inspected annually to ensure they are working properly. More than half of all carbon monoxide poisoning deaths result from malfunctioning or improperly vented gas appliances in homes. The others come from a variety of combustion sources including: charcoal grills, automobile exhausts, space heaters, generators and fireplaces.

The State of California requires by law that every home in California with an attached garage or fossil fuel source appliance have an operational carbon-monoxide detector or alarm installed. Beginning in 2015, California law also requires community care facilities, including residential care facilities for the elderly and infirm, and public and family day care centers, to have at least one functioning carbon monoxide detector. 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 working properly and your gas appliances inspected are simple steps that will protect you and your family.”

Accidental deaths occur each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and several hundred Californians go to emergency rooms due to non-lethal exposures. Warning signs of exposure include headache, drowsiness, nausea and inability to concentrate; any person experiencing these symptoms should be immediately moved to a location with fresh air and be seen by a doctor in case treatment is needed.

Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain. 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 the following:

  • Properly use and maintain appliances that produce a flame such as gas stoves, ovens, furnaces and heaters;
  • Never use gas ovens to heat the home;
  • Never use kerosene and 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 to prevent 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 operate cars or other internal combustion engines in enclosed spaces or attached garages. Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths are often 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 periodic stagnant weather conditions when there is no wind or breezes which would disperse the pollutant. These elevated levels have been measured in covered garages and at busy intersections.

  • For more information on indoor combustion pollutants and indoor air quality guidelines, click here. 
  • For additional information on carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detectors, click here. 
  • For a list of State Fire Marshal approved carbon monoxide detectors, click here. 
  • For information on California Building and Residential Codes, click here or here. 
  • To request or schedule an inspection of your gas appliances – which may be free of cost – contact your local gas company.
CARB is the lead agency in California for cleaning up the air and fighting climate change to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. Its mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through the effective reduction of air and climate pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.