By WBBM780.com (Chicago)

Carbon monoxide earned its name as the "silent killer" because it is an odorless, colorless and tasteless chemical that claims about 500 American lives each year.

It is for that reason that Illinois lawmakers passed a statute this spring, to take effect in January, requiring carbon monoxide detectors in every home.

Media campaigns have begun alerting the public about the new law, and local fire departments are including the information in fire-safety campaigns kicking into high gear this month, National Fire Prevention Month.
 
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