Carbon monoxide detectors required beginning Jan. 1         

[OCT. 25, 2006]  EAST PEORIA -- Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, a new state law called the "Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act" goes into effect. The new law requires single-family and multiple-family residences, with few exceptions, to have at least one approved and operating carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of each bedroom.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuels -- for example, natural gas, LP gas, kerosene, oil, wood and charcoal. The gas is lethal to humans if it builds up in the home.

The law states that it is the responsibility of the owner of the structure to supply and install all required alarms, along with written instructions for alarm testing and maintenance. In the case of rental property, it is the responsibility of the tenant to test and to provide general maintenance of the alarms, including battery replacement, and to notify the owner in writing of any defects that the tenant cannot correct.

Carbon monoxide alarms required under the new law may be battery-powered, plug-in with battery backup or AC hard-wired with battery backup.

Failure to comply with the law can result in conviction of a Class B misdemeanor, and tampering with an alarm is a Class A misdemeanor for a first conviction or a Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses.

Carbon monoxide alarms are widely available in hardware and home improvement stores. Prices start at about $20.

For additional information and to see exemptions to the law, see Public Act 094-0741. Additional information on carbon monoxide can be found http://www.solutions.uiuc.edu/ and http://www.healthyindoorair.org/.

[Jennifer Hunt, Extension educator, East Peoria Center]