Carbon Monoxide alarms and detectors are subjects of the first HUD Notice release of the year. Specifically, HUD reminds us that any property owner that receives Federal funding has a role in preventing poisoning on a property, just like fire prevention.

Of course, alarms and detectors help play an essential role in preventing Carbon Monoxide poisoning. HUD defines an alarm as a single alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants. It incorporates a sensor, control components, and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.

So, what’s the difference between an Alarm and a detector? HUD defines a detector as a device with an integral sensor to detect gas and transmit an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.

Both carbon monoxide detection devices play a life-saving role in detecting the odorless gas, often referred to as the Silent Killer. The gas is impossible to see and comes from fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. More than 400 Americans die each year. Thousands more end up in hospitals with complications.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The overall symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning varies from person to person. However, the CDC reports the most common symptoms are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset Stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest Pain
• Confusion

Exposure can cause harmful health conditions, permanent brain damage, life-threatening cardiac complications, fetal death or miscarriage, and death in a matter of minutes.

Finally, the HUD Notice on Carbon Monoxide serves as a reminder of HUD enforcement. As part of the 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress requires certain alarms and detectors be installed in Federally Assisted Housing by December 27, 2022. Further, the notices servers as a reminder that HUD will enforce these requirements. Public Housing Associations, Owner-Agents, and Managers are encouraged to adopt the standards of the 2018 International Fire Code as soon as possible.