New state law requires homes to have carbon monoixide alarms

Beginning in January 2008, all new homes in Minnesota wil be required to have carbon monoxide alarms installed within 10 feet of each bedroom. Exiting homes must have them by August 2008 and exisiting apartment buildings by August 2009. Carbon monoixde alarms usually cost between $10 and $50.

Carbon monoxide safety. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irrating gas which, when breathed into the body, combines with the blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen, which can cuase illenss or death. CO usually is produced while burning fuels such as gasoline, coal, wood, charcoal, kerosene, natural gas, propane, heating oil, and almost any other combustible material. There is an even greater risk of CO accumulation if your home is tightly sealed and not property ventilated.

Physical signs of carbon monoxide exposure iwll vary depending on duration and concentration of exposure and other factors. Symptoms of mild exposure may included slight headache, vomitting, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea and flu-like symptoms that disappear when the person breathes fresh air. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/besafe to learn how to tell if CO is present in your home, what to do if you suspect a CO problem, how to prevent CO accumulation in your home, and more. You can also order a free CO safety brochure there. To order by phone, call 612-372-4727 (1-800-245-2377).

Information provided by CenterPoint Energy.