I received this notice from Linda Garrett with Property ID, an Independent Company who provides many of our clients with Disclosures regarding property matters.This Bill affects Homeowners in California.
Senate Bill 183 Lowenthal (SB183) created the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Act). The Act requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. A CO detector is a device that detects the presence of CO and emits a loud noise to alert occupants that CO is present in order to prevent CO poisoning. Detection of CO in a home environment is impossible without a warning device because CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible (unlike smoke from a fire). It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology.
Although the placement and location of carbon monoxide detectors in the home is not clearly spelled out in the Act, the packaging of your CO detector (which can be purchased at any home or hardware store) will provide for the proper placement in your home of your specific device. Installation locations will vary by manufacturer due to the degree of research conducted on that specific type and style of detector. Read and clearly understand the instructions specific to your unit - they are not all the same so PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Here are some general guidelines common to most manufacturers of CO devices:
• CO devices should be placed on every level of your home, including the basement, and near or over any attached garage
•CO devices should be located within 10-15 feet outside of each separate sleeping area
•CO devices can be placed on the wall or the ceiling as specified in the installation instructions
•They should not be installed within 15-20 feet of any furnace or fuel burning heat source
•They should not be placed in or near humid areas, such as bathrooms
•They should not be placed in areas where they may be damaged by children or pets
•They should not be installed in areas of direct sunlight or areas subject to temperature extremes. (crawlspaces, unfinished attics, porches)
•They should not be installed behind curtains or other obstructions
•They may not function if installed near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows
• Life expectancy for detectors will be specific to each manufacturer’s recommendations. Carbon monoxide detectors actually have an expiration date, so check with the manufacturer instructions to determine how long the carbon monoxide detector is supposed to last and maintain your specific unit accordingly.
The Act’s only disclosure requirement in a real estate transaction is the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement, but SB183 provides that The Homeowners’ Guide to Environmental Hazards (prepared pursuant to Section 10084 of the Business and Professions Code) (Guide) should include information regarding CO when the booklet is next updated. Since the official Guide has not yet been updated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Property I.D. has included a general notice of Carbon Monoxide Devices since May 2010 to further ensure compliance with the Act by all parties in the real estate transaction.
Here is the notice provided in every Property I.D. Report:
Carbon Monoxide DevicesPursuant to the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when any fuel is burned, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. Because it is not possible to see, taste, or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill in minutes at high levels. Carbon monoxide detectors are similar to smoke detectors in that they will signal detection of carbon monoxide in the air. These carbon monoxide detectors should be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, on every level including basements within which fuel fired appliances are installed, and in dwellings that have attached garages.
Links to additional information on carbon monoxide:
U.S. EPA, An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Basic Information on Pollutants and Sources of Indoor Air Pollution, Carbon Monoxide www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Carbon Monoxide Poisoning http://www.cdc.gov/co/
American Lung Association, Carbon Monoxide Indoors http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/carbon-monoxide-indoors.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html
I wanted to re-Blog this to my database because I felt it was so important.
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!
Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,
Nancy Hankin
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