New Rules Requiring Carbon Monoxide Monitor Installation in Washington Homes

Beginning in July 1, 2010, new construction homes in Washington will be required to comply with a carbon monoxide monitor requirement. In most cases, a battery operated, carbon monoxide monitor, costing less than $50, would detect carbon monoxide before it was concentrated enough to cause illness. When carbon monoxide is trapped in a residence, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which, in the worst case, is fatal, causing death within minutes. In Washington alone, more than 1000 people reportedly suffereed carbon monoxide poisoning and eight died, in the aftermath of the 2006 windstorm. Some household sources of carbon monoxide include malfunctioning furnaces, water heater, ovens, stove, gas dryers, improperly vented free standing heaters, clogged chimneys, corroded flu pipes, and generators. Automobiles left running in attached garage pose a hazard, even if the garage doors are open.

Because carbon monoxide cannot be detected by human senses and because the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can be devastating, the 2009 Washington Legislature passed a law requiring the Building Code Council to adopt a rule requiring installation of carbon monoxide monitors in Washington homes. The new rule will be in effect and all new construction must conform to the requirement by July 1, 2010

Source: Washington Realtors Magazine Sep/Oct 2009 Issue