There is a Massachusetts Law that
addresses the potential for carbon monoxide gas in residential dwellings and preventive measures to take. It took effect
on March 31, 2006.
“Nicole’s Law” , Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2005, was signed by Governor Mitt
Romney on November 4,2005. This law is named for Nicole Garofalo, a 7 year old Plymouth girl who died in her family
home after snow blocked a heating vent, trapping carbon monoxide gases inside the home.
Among its several requirements,
Nicole’s Law includes that there be working carbon monoxide detectors in every dwelling, building, or structure occupied
in whole or in part for residential purposes that contain fossil-fuel burning equipment, including boilers, furnaces, fireplaces
and hot water heaters and/or enclosed parking.
The law also provides for the imposition of stricter requirements
for new construction or dwellings, buildings and structures that have been substantially renovated so as to constitute the
equivalent of new construction.
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon
Monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is the most toxic substance you will come in contact with in
your daily life.
Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?
Carbon Monoxide gas is produced whenever any
fuel, such as wood, charcoal, gas, oil or kerosene is burned. It can be found in your home, at work, in your garage,
car, or boat. There are hundreds of fatalities every year from Carbon Monoxide and just a small amount of Carbon Monoxide
in your living area can cause major problems over time.
Winter snows can create drifts that block exhaust vents,
forcing Carbon Monoxide Gas to back-up into your home. High efficiency appliances and those with power-vent blowers
by definition waste less heat, so the exhaust temperature is very low. Often it is too low to melt snow in a plugged
exhaust pipe or vent. To provide proper ventilation, keep sidewall and direct vents clear of obstructions, drifting
snow, and bushes.
Symptoms
Carbon Monoxide poisoning enters the lungs and blood where it competes
with oxygen normally carried by red blood cells. The Carbon Monoxide attaches to the cells 200 times easier than oxygen.
Without oxygen, the cells begin to die. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can produce flu-like symptoms such as fainting,
confusion, dizziness, nausea and headaches.
What Do You Do If Exposed?
If you suspect you are
being exposed to Carbon Monoxide, get out of the building and get fresh air. Call your local fire department.
If you have symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
How Do I Protect Myself and Family?
Install
Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home. The detector should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or a similar, certified
national laboratory.
Place the detectors near bedrooms and where people spend most of their time. Do not
place the detectors in a garage, furnace room or near the stove or fireplace.
Detectors should be kept away from
open windows or doors, cold or damp areas, excessively hot areas, and areas such as corners of rooms and peaks of ceilings
where there are “dead-air spaces”
How Do I Prevent the Problem?
If appliances that
burn fuel are properly maintained and used, the amount of Carbon Monoxide is usually not hazardous. Read and follow
the manufacturer’s instructions that come with fuel burning devices. Appliances that are not working properly
or are used incorrectly can produce dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide .
Other steps to take include having a
qualified service technician inspect your appliances yearly, before the heating season. Check vent pipes, flues, and
chimneys for leaks or blockages. Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
Other steps for prevention include not
running a vehicle inside a garage, even if the door is open, not sleeping in any room with an un-vented gas heater.
Also do not use a gas oven to heat your home and never use gasoline-powered engines such as generators, chainsaws, mowers
etc in enclosed spaces.
