California legislature to require carbon monoxide detectors; among other new laws
California legislature to require carbon monoxide detectors
This weekend marks the commencement of newly enforceable laws making it a requirement for many single family homes to install carbon monoxide detectors. As of July 1, single family homes with a fossil fuel source or attached garage must install a carbon monoxide detector or risk hefty fines and penalties. Owners of apartment buildings have until July 1, 2013 to comply with the law.
Carbon monoxide has been nicknamed the "silent killer." The gas has claimed lives across the United States and is virtually odorless. It also is undetectable by the naked eye. Residents of homes with a carbon monoxide leak often are unaware of the problem until it is too late. Symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning include severe headaches, dizzy spells, mental confusion, nausea and feeling faint. Long term exposure to CO inevitably leads to death.
CO is a toxic gas that emits from the burning of any fossil fuel. This can include gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. Many appliances run on this type of fuel and their emissions, though they contain CO, are considered safe if the appliance is properly maintained. Defective or malfunctioning appliances are frequent culprits in CO poisoning, which can manifest quickly in infants, the elderly and those suffering from anemia or other blood disorders.
The California legislature enacted the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act to protect Californians from the hazards of CO poisoning as many have been killed across the state and were unaware of any danger. In fact, CO poisoning is the leading cause of (unintentional) poisoning deaths in the United States.
July 1 marks the beginning of many new laws in states across the nation as the government gears up for a new fiscal year. Another new California law worth noting is that solo drivers of hybrid vehicles are no longer welcome in the HOV lanes on California's roadways.
Also, push-to-talk cell phones are no longer exempt from California's tough ban on cell phones while driving. Push-to-talk cell phones slightly resemble walkie-talkies and, up until this weekend, were exempted from the strict ban on handheld devices behind the wheel. The exemption has been lifted and groups such as farmers and commercial drivers aren't too thrilled.
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