By April 15, most homes in Ontario must be equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors.
The new Ontario regulations require single-family homes, and any residential building of six units or less, to have the detectors installed near sleeping areas if the building has fuel-fired appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage. The alarms must be able to be heard in a sleeping room with the door closed.
Buildings with more than six units have until Oct. 15 to comply with the legislation. Since 2001, built-in alarms have been mandatory in new residential buildings that have a fuel-burning appliance.
Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer" because it is an odourless, tasteless, invisible gas that is very toxic. Exposure causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness, without the high fever associated with the flu. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage or death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly sensitive to CO.