Why Is This Important?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. CO exposure is often the result of improper ventilation or inhalation of exhaust fumes from cars, trucks and other vehicles, generators, or gas heaters. Although CO poisoning can almost always be prevented, every year more than 500 Americans die as a result of unintentional exposure to this toxic gas, and thousands more require medical care for non-fatal poisoning. CO poisoning can be prevented by the installation and maintenance of CO detectors/alarms, and the proper maintenance of heating systems. Important guidelines: -Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home. -Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.

Definition

Percent of NJ residents who self report having a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in their home.

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

In 2016, 86 percent of N.J. residents reported they had a carbon monoxide detector in their home.

Available Services

Office of the NJ Attorney General, fact sheet on prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning: [http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer%20Briefs/carbon-monoxide-poisoning.pdf#search=CO%20Poisoning] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), information on the prevention of CO poisoning: [https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html]