CO alarms mandatory in most Ontario homes

Most homes in Ontario must now have working carbon monoxide alarms, or owners could face fines.

As of April 15, all homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages must have a monitor near sleeping areas. The Ontario government's list of fuel-burning appliances includes furnaces, space heaters, wood stoves, and hot water heaters.

The alarms must be placed adjacent to all sleeping areas.

The new requirement applies to all homeowners and owners of residential buildings with less than six suites. Those who own properties with more than six suites have until Oct. 15 of this year to install the monitors.

Those who haven't installed the monitors may face fines starting Wednesday. Failure to comply with the new law could result in fines of up to $50,000 for homeowners and $100,000 for corporations.

It came into effect on Oct. 15, 2014, but residents were given a six month grace period to install the monitors.

Symptoms of CO poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, but with no fever. Poisoning can also lead to burning eyes, confusion and loss of consciousness.

In severe cases, poisoning can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart and respiratory conditions are most at risk.

CO can poison the body quickly in high concentrations or slowly over a long period of time. The CO monitors are designed to sense both high and low concentrations, and sound an alarm when harmful levels are present.

If an alarm sounds, residents of the home should move outdoors immediately before calling 911.