When CO2 builds up to dangerous levels, bad things can happen. It was the story of a man dying in his garage from carbon poisoning that spurred John Vole to create something to help solve the problem. According to The Dayton Beach News-Journal, that moment of inspiration lead to a carbon monoxide monitor that would open the garage door if the levels ever get too high.
The driving force that keeps Vole going is that incidents of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning continue, despite technological innovations like his, which he markets under the name Second Chance. He plans to bring production to Florida, specifically Volusia and Flagler counties.
Vole said 20,000 to 30,000 people suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Not all of the cases are fatal but the consequences still can be catastrophic.
“This can save lives,” he said of his device. “And if it saves just one life, it will be worth all the time and effort I’ve put into it.”