New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Chicago Homes And Gathering Places

CHICAGO, IL—As of Oct.1, 1993 a new law takes effect in Chicago requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all single and multiple family residences. This includes residential units in building that rely on combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation or hot water and are sufficiently close to any ventilated source of carbon monoxide, as determined by the building commissioner. Also included are residential units that are not heated by steam, hot water or electric heat and units which are connected by ductwork or ventilation shafts to any room containing a fossil fuel-burning boiler or heater.

The ordinance also requires that Class C assembly building include all buildings or parts thereof designed or used for civic, political, educational, religious, social, recreational or other similar activities –such as schools, churches, theaters, museums, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. Law also covers motels and hotels.

The law was passed in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries resulting form carbon monoxide poisoning, the leading cause of poisoning, the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the country. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 1500 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and an additional 10,000 become ill. In November of 1991 , a Chicago family of ten was killed by carbon monoxide coming from a faulty heating system in their home. This incident prompted Alderman James Laski (23rd) to propose an ordinance to help prevent similar tragedies. Finance Committee Chairman Alderman Edward M. Burke (14th) offered strong support for the ordinance, which was approved by the City Council in March.

“Chicago is proud to take the lead in the fight against carbon monoxide poisoning. With this ground breaking new legislation, we’ve become the first major city in the country to require carbon monoxide detectors in homes and gathering places. Now that the law is in place, we believe other cities across the country will follow suit and it’s our hope that many potential tragedies will be prevented,” said Burke.

Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned. It is produced by many common home appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, hot water heaters, or space heaters, gas ovens and ranger, fireplaces, woodburning stoves, gas refrigerators, or cloth dryers, barbecue grills or car exhaust fumes from an attached garage.

Chicago’s new law requires carbon monoxide detectors to meet Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 for single and multiple station carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors covered by this standard must sound an audible alarm when carbon monoxide is present.

Aurora based First Alertâ, inventor of the smoke detector, manufactures a UL listed carbon monoxide detector. The detector uses a patented Biomimetic technology which actually mimics the body’s response to carbon monoxide. It meets the requirements of the Chicago ordinance by sounding an 85 decibel alarm when carbon monoxide is present. Battery operate and handwired models with battery backup are available to continue to protect even in the event of a power outage.

Medical experts report that carbon monoxide is especially dangerous to unborn babies, children, the elderly and those with cardiac or respiratory problems. The installation of a carbon monoxide detector is vital for early detection of this colorless, odorless gas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laurel Blair, Bob Wheatley, Gigi Lubin, Cathy Berner 312-337-7773