Carbon Monoxide Information
A new law went into effect on August 1, 2009 that requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed within 10 feet of rooms used for sleeping.
Features to look for when purchasing a CO detector include:
What is CO?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas produced as a byproduct of combustion. Examples of CO-producing devices include:
The following symptoms may signal CO poisoning:
For more information on preventing CO poisoning in your home, visit:
Minnesota Department of Health or the State Fire Marshal Division online.
Features to look for when purchasing a CO detector include:
- A unit with a digital readout
- A memory feature (peak level indicator)
- Units that use an electrical plug-in power source and battery back-up
- The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards known as UL-2034
What is CO?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas produced as a byproduct of combustion. Examples of CO-producing devices include:
- Gas appliances and pilot lights
- Furnaces
- Stoves
- Dryers
- Water heaters
- Fireplaces and wood stoves
- Charcoal grills
- Lawnmowers, snow blowers, and other yard equipment
- Automobiles
The following symptoms may signal CO poisoning:
- Breathing difficulty
- Cherry red skin
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
- Excessive humidity indicated by heavily frosted windows
- Stale odor
- Burning eyes
- Supply adequate fresh air to all fuel-burning appliances
- Never use a grill indoors, not even in the garage
- Don't warm up a vehicle inside the garage
- Perform annual maintenance checks on:
- Fireplaces (gas and wood)
- Home ventilation systems
- All gas appliances
- Chimneys
For more information on preventing CO poisoning in your home, visit:
Minnesota Department of Health or the State Fire Marshal Division online.