Proposed Legislation Aims to Curb Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents
Every year, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills about 500 children and adults and sends more than 15,000 others to the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Known as the “Silent Killer”, CO is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that can build up near fuel-burning appliances such as ovens, generators and supplemental heaters. Nearly 90 percent of carbon monoxide incidents occur in the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The only safe way to detect the presence of CO and prevent deaths and poisonings is with a working CO alarm. They can be purchased for as little as $20, typically only have to be replaced every seven years, and can be easily plugged in to any outlet or operated with batteries.
Pennsylvania House Bill 1445 would require that new and existing single- and multi-family homes have at least one carbon monoxide alarm.
To contact your Representative and let them know the importance of this issue, click here.
Safe Kids USA and Safe Kids Pennsylvania also recommend these precautions against CO poisoning:
- Prevent CO buildup in the first place — make sure heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.
- Don’t run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first.
- Install a CO detector approximately 15 feet from every fuel-burning appliance and outside every sleeping area. Check the batteries monthly (when you check your smoke alarm batteries).
- Remember that cigarette smoke is another source of carbon monoxide.
If someone who has been in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance begins to feel nauseous, drowsy or confused, or complains of a headache, move the victim to fresh air and call 911.
If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a CO alarm goes off, get everyone outside immediately and call the fire department from a pre-arranged meeting place.
PROPOSED LEGISLATION
2009-2010 Legislative Session
June, 2010
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - June 2010
(PDF format)
November, 2009
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - November 2009
(PDF format)
June, 2009
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - June 2009
(PDF format)
March, 2009
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - March 2009
(PDF format)
2007-2008 Legislative Session
November, 2008
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - November 2008
(PDF format)
June, 2008
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - June 2008
(PDF format)
March, 2008
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - March 2008 (PDF format)
November, 2007
Pennsylvania Child Safety Legislative Report - November 2007 (PDF format)
To view these bills and others check the Pennsylvania General Assembly website www.legis.state.pa.us
Center of the page under “Find . . .”Legislation” click on “Session Information.” Enter bill #, e.g. h1570, choose session years and click the Bill Number button.'