Imperial Valley, CA - July 1st will be the one-year anniversary of carbon monoxide detector law in California. However, Arizonans should also be aware of the so called "silent killer". It's an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas.
"It can be an incomplete burning of fossil fuels and in the home you might encounter it in cooking or heating appliances," Mike Erfert, spokesman for the Yuma Fire Department said.
With the upcoming one year anniversary of California's law that requires homes to have carbon monoxide detectors installed, public safety officials remind you of the dangers and offer life saving tips.
Arizonans should also be aware of the dangers.
"Carbon monoxide kills by displacing the oxygen in the bloodstream in many ways the symptoms are similar to the flu or food poisoning," Erfert said.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
High levels of carbon monoxide inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death.
People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing any symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths.
The CDC also reports that the silent killer claims about 400 lives and injures another 20,000 each year nationwide.
California officials estimate that carbon monoxide causes 700 avoidable injuries and hospitalizations annually.
"Running a car in a closed garage, the car will create carbon monoxide and can seep into the living space of your home," Erfert said.
To help protect your homes, just about any hardware store carry carbon monoxide detectors. They're also very easy to install.
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