AKRON, Ohio — Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story of a carbon monoxide incident in Akron.
In a unanimous decision by the Akron City Council last week, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are required to be installed in residential buildings that have appliances that burn fuel.
“Simply put, this ordinance is about saving lives,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “If we can prevent even one death by ensuring CO detectors are required, it will be worth it. I applaud City Council for their swift action and support in this matter.”
According to the CDC, at least 430 people die every year in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. Approximately 50,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to accidental CO poisoning.
“Carbon monoxide is commonly known as the 'silent killer' because it's colorless, odorless, tasteless, and in most cases non-irritating," said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Clarence Tucker. "If you don't catch the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion) it's quite possible that you may lose consciousness before being able to call for help, and then it may be too late. This ordinance helps us better protect Akron residents by not only requiring detectors in residential buildings but also bringing this issue to the forefront so we can educate residents about the dangers of not having a detector in their home.”
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels which can happen due to malfunctioning appliances. Common appliances that can produce this gas are furnaces, ranges, water heaters, boilers, room heaters and fireplaces.
The ordinance will require any residential building with a fuel-burning appliance to install detectors outside each separate sleeping area and on each floor, including basements.
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