SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (SB 183) has been signed into law by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. SB 183 requires existing homes and dwelling units to be outfitted with carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, beginning in July 2011. The new law complements provisions in the 2010 California Residential Code and 2010 California Building Code that require the installation of CO detection and notification devices in new dwellings in the state, beginning in January 2011.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which championed the legislation, with passage of this law California joins more than two dozen other states in requiring CO protection in homes and other residential and commercial properties.

NEMA noted that carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in the United States. Carbon monoxide detection and notification devices installed in residential and other dwellings provide an effective way to reduce the incidence of CO poisoning.

Publication date: 06/14/2010