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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: President Urges Americans To Be Alert To A
Senseless Killer
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
kicks off "Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Week" this Sunday with a
comprehensive program designed to educate the public about the dangers of
carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. As part of the observance of this Week, the
President has issued a message encouraging Americans to become more alert to
the symptoms and potential dangers of CO poisoning.
In his message, President Clinton said, "(This) information program is a
unique initiative to bring information about carbon monoxide poisoning --
its causes, symptoms, prevention, and means of detection -- to millions of
Americans...I urge all of our citizens to participate in this lifesaving
endeavor."
Carbon monoxide is produced by burning any fuel; therefore, any fuel-burning
appliance is a potential source of CO. In 1989 (the latest year for which
statistics are available), nearly 300 people died in their homes from CO
poisoning associated with residential appliances.
"Carbon monoxide is truly a 'senseless' killer," said Commission Chairman
Jacqueline Jones-Smith. "You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, so often
people don't know they are being poisoned."
Additionally, the symptoms of CO mimic those of the flu; at low levels, CO
poisoning causes headaches, nausea, and drowsiness; at higher levels, it
causes vomiting, loss of consciousness, and death.
CPSC hopes to educate citizens about the potential dangers of CO poisoning
with a comprehensive public awareness campaign that includes media tours,
exhibits, brochures in English and Spanish, posters, public service
announcements, videos, newspaper, radio, and television stories.
"The message we're putting out is simple," said Jones- Smith. "First, have
your home heating system, including your chimney, inspected annually by a
qualified technician. Second, install at least one carbon monoxide detector
that meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories' standard 2034 in
the hall outside the bedrooms. This detector will sound an alarm before the
carbon monoxide level in your home becomes hazardous."
On September 15, 1993, Chicago, IL became one of the first cities in the
United States to adopt an ordinance requiring CO detectors in all new
single-family homes and in existing single- family residences that are being
equipped with new oil or gas combustible furnaces. In addition, the
Recreational Vehicle Industry Association is requiring CO detectors in motor
homes made after September 1, 1993.
"CPSC applauds these actions. We feel these detectors will be as effective
in preventing CO poisoning deaths as smoke detectors are in preventing fire
deaths," Jones-Smith said.
CPSC is undertaking this program as part of its mission to protect the
public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer
products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million
injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different
types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
September 23, 1993
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