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Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detectors

****Required By State Law****

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuels, (e.g. natural gas, LP gas, kerosene, oil, wood and charcoal). This gas is lethal to humans if it builds up in the home.

The National Safety Council reports that between 200 and 300 people die in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Additionally, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times recently, the Illinois Poison Center has received well over 1,000 calls regarding CO poisoning this year, an increase of 37 percent over last year.

As a result, the Illinois State Legislature recently passed Public Act 094-0741, the "Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act". This act went into effect on January 1, 2007.

The act requires that homeowner/property owners be responsible for installing at least one carbon monoxide detector in their homes, with few exceptions, at locations within fifteen (15') feet of each room used for sleeping purposes. The testing and maintenance instructions for these detectors must also be kept on-site. In rental units, it is the responsibility of the tenant to test and maintain the detectors. The act also states that upon second notification that your property is not in compliance with this act, the owner/tenant will be subject to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine.

"Accidental carbon monoxide deaths are very preventable simply by having a detector in your home", said Illinois State Fire Marshal Dave Foreman. "This law will help save many lives."

To view this act in its entirety, visit www.ilga.gov.