carbon monoxide

it can be an issue in any building or house. new or old does not matter.

Massachusetts has a law that there be a carbon monoxide alarm in every residential unit. I've got an extra alarm here that I think I'll send to a friend in LA who has 2 little girls & bedrooms above the carport of her building. The package says that carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning death in the US & carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless & can be deadly in under 15 minutes. Potential sources of CO are blocked chimney, furnace, attached garage, range hood, clothes dryer, portable heater, fireplace, water heater, indoor grilling. I've become a real proponent of these things 'cause you just don't wake up.

Welcome sulphur dioxide,
Hello carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep

drd, I believe that's the law here too.

alan, funny as always! Our resident poet. ;)

It's from Hair, of course.

I'm pretty sure carbon monoxide is only an issue in NYC buildings if oil-fired furnaces are not maintained properly. Given that they're in the basements of buildings and can be CO-monitored directly, I doubt the law requiring the monitors makes any sense for apartments here. But the law it is, I'm pretty sure. If your apartment doesn't have one, you can get one (or a combo w/smoke alarm) at HD, Lowes, online, or probably any hardware store, cheap.

A quick google search:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/LCNS/pdfs/aprilnwsltr.pdf

I got charged $25 for one a few years ago, which is why it stuck in my head.

It is required in all units. I think the city has a law as well. This seems to impact houses more than apartments. But considering the risk and nominal expense, it's worth getting.

sometimes when i feel like tempting fate, i unplug mine...

alanhart nailed it.

didnt know it was that serious. thanks for the info