Minnesota Law on Carbon Monoxide Detectors

History

• It is estimated that at least 170 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Initial symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. If the exposure is prolonged, death will occur.

Function

• Carbon monoxide detectors are monitors installed in buildings that can detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Once detected, an alarm will sound to warn the inhabitants of the dangerous gas.

Prevention/Solution

• To proactively save lives, Minnesota has enacted a new carbon monoxide law that requires installation of detectors in all homes and multifamily dwellings. The law has three effective dates.

Time Frame

• All new construction single-family and multifamily dwellings must comply as of January 1, 2007. Existing single and multifamily dwellings must comply by August 1, 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Considerations

• This law requires that each dwelling be equipped with a minimum of one fully operational carbon monoxide detector within in 10 feet of each bedroom.