CARBON MONOXIDE, PART II
November 16, 2004

Introduction:
Last week, we asked if there was a Florida requirement for Carbon Monoxide detectors. The answer was NO (see below), but that doesn't mean that homes should not have Carbon Monoxide detection equipment installed...

Question:
True or False? Carbon Monoxide detectors are recommended for all residential structures.
Answer:
False - Last week, we established that about 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment, and Florida has no requirement for carbon monoxide detectors, but as carbon monoxide is only associated with incomplete burning of fossil fuel, detectors are not necessary for all residential structures. As a rule of thumb, if you have gas fired appliances (furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc) and / or an attached garage (especially with the air handler located within the garage), you should have a carbon monoxide detector. Installing a carbon monoxide detector, is a simple and inexpensive act that could save lives. For a complete report on carbon monoxide and associated deaths, you can visit the Consumer Products Safety Commission web site at www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/co04.pdf
Winner:
Miriam Dillon of Davis Properties of NW Florida