Did you know that as of July 1, 2011 all residential single-family dwellings in California are required by law to have an operating Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Why are these devices important? It’s simple: like smoke alarms, they can save lives. See the following article from our heroes at the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on the topic of the hazards of carbon monoxide.

FDNY members warn the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after an incident on Oct. 29, which killed one man and left another seriously ill.

Two workers sitting in the back of a truck driving from the Bronx to Queens used the heat from a gas-powered lawn mower to keep warm. The exhaust fumes filled the confined space and poisoned the two men.

Both men were taken to area hospitals by FDNY EMS members. One has since succumbed to his injuries.

The FDNY urges everyone to understand the dangers of CO poisoning.

Any fuel-burning appliance, vehicle or tool that is inadequately vented or maintained can be a potential source of carbon monoxide gas. Examples include fuel fired furnaces, gas fueled space heaters, charcoal grills and, wood burning fireplaces and stoves.

Long-term exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can gradually build up in the blood causing flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea and drowsiness. Learn more

Original source: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/events/2011/103111a.shtml