Carbon monoxide detectors required by law
MANITOWOC — As the cool weather approaches — and people begin using heating equipment, garage doors are kept closed when starting vehicles and fireplaces are started up — people need to be more conscious about carbon monoxide prevention, said Deputy Chief Gregg Kadow of the Manitowoc Fire Department.
It's important to make sure that CO detectors are installed and operating properly, he said in a news release.
Installing a CO detector is so important that the Wisconsin State Legislation now requires installation of a carbon monoxide detector in all dwellings where carbon monoxide may be produced, including one- and two-family dwellings, Kadow said.
Prevention of CO poisoning also includes making sure that all fuel-burning appliances are installed, vented and operating properly, he said.
Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which is toxic to humans in concentrations greater than 35 ppm, is a product of incomplete combustion of organic matter.
On average, 170 people in the United States die every year from CO poisoning produced by non-automotive consumer products. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and mental confusion. Symptoms of high-level concentrations include loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death.
For more information on the installation and maintenance of a CO detector, contact the Manitowoc Fire Department at (920) 686-6540.