Carbon Monoxide Law Passed

Effective November 1, 1998, what is believed to be the first by-law of its kind in Ontario will come into effect in Toronto requiring Carbon Monoxide detectors in all homes with gas furnaces or solid fuel burning appliances. First time offenders could face a fine of up to $2,000 for refusing to comply with the by-law. The maximum fine will be $10,000 for a company that disobeys the bylaw for the first time.

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fossil fuels are burnt. For example, if you burn gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, charcoal, coal or wood without sufficient air carbon monoxide is produced. Likely sources in the home can include the gas appliances such as a furnace, hot water heater, fireplace and stove. Some other sources include gasoline engines, charcoal grills, and kerosene heaters. Although poorly vented appliances contribute to carbon monoxide in a home other areas include cracked heat exchangers in gas furnaces for example. Wood fireplaces generally are more dangerous than forced air furnaces because wood smoke that spills into the room always contains carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is also a major component of cigarette smoke.

What's all the fuss about? -- Of all the non-fire-related carbon monoxide deaths, estimates are that 80% relate to gas-fueled appliances. Chronic exposure to relatively low levels of carbon monoxide will lessen your life span. Carbon Monoxide poisioning is the cause of accidental poisioning deaths in North America.

Carbon monoxide is a non-irratating, colourless, odourless and poisionous gas. It only takes a few minutes for a person to collapse and die from carbon monoxide if exposed to large doses. It can also cause severe heart and brain damage. Some symptoms the body can experience include headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dimmed vision, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Flu and viruses are often blamed for the effects of this carbon monoxide gas. Infants, seniors and those with cardiovascular disease, anemia, lung disease and an increased metabolic rate are at greater risk. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke is a major cause of coronary artery disease. Pre-birth exposure has been associated with learning and memory defects.

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