Carbon Monoxide (CO) in New Jersey and New York

Advisory Report - June 2003

Carbon Monoxide (CO) in New Jersey and New York

New York and New Jersey are the first two states to enact a law requiring all newly built homes involved in real estate transaction to have at least one approved carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the residence. More states are likely to follow their lead in this pursuit to eliminate a very dangerous; colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. New Jersey law went into effect December 2002, with New York not far behind in March of 2003. 

CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as: gas, oil, coal and wood, which are commonly used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters and open fires. CO can accumulate in a home a number of different ways, but the primary problems stem from problems with the appliance or problems with the ventilation in the room in which the unit is located. Poor installation, maintenance, or damage to the unit, can cause the fuel to burn improperly and to fill the room with excess CO. Proper ventilation within your home can assist in removal, but ultimately, a detector is the best and only reliable way to sleep easy at night.

For more information about Carbon Monoxide, please click:
carbonmonoxidekills.com
coheadquarters.com

Contributed by Brian Lynch
Relocation Account Specialist
U.S. Inspect, LLC