NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW: New MN Law for Carbon Monoxide Alarms

A new state mandate requiring carbon monoxide alarms in existing single-family homes went into effect on August 1, 2008, that is protecting buyers and surprising sellers.  Keep reading to find out how to prevent this silent killer’s new law from sneaking up on you…

What is it?

The new carbon monoxide (CO) alarm law requires that “every single-family dwelling and every dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling” have “an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.” (See MN Stat. 299.51) This law was effective as of August 1, 2007 for newly constructed homes, and just became effective August 1, 2008 for all existing single-family dwelling units. It becomes effective in August 1, 2009 for existing multifamily dwelling units. The alarms must be an approved device (conforming to UL2034 standards), and may be hardwired, plugged in, or battery-powered (if attached to the wall).

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that human senses cannot detect because it is both colorless and odorless. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, including natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline and heating oil.

CO — the Silent Killer

•  CO is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in North America.  (AMA Journal)
• On average, over 10,000 people are treated annually for CO poisoning. (North Haven Professional Firefighters Association)
• Carbon monoxide exposure kills approximately 1,800 people each year. (AMA Journal)

Common Sources of CO

Potential CO sources include your fireplace, woodstove, furnace, water heater, gas dryer or stove, vehicles, grill and space heater.

What does it mean to you?

If selling your house, recognize that you have a direct legal obligation to equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors and take proactive steps to be sure that you have them installed before selling.

And if you’re currently house hunting, be sure to check that the home you ultimately purchase is properly equipped with these detectors, provided by the seller.

Finally, to save $5 on a new carbon monoxide alarm click here and for more news coverage of the Minnesota CO alarm law click here.

Further information about this statute can be found by discussing this issue with your attorney, or by reviewing the statute online at https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=299F.51.