Today, Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) introduced the Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a new grant program to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as schools and other public facilities. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act also provides incentives for states to pass laws to require CO alarms.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced whenever fossil fuels are burned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 400 deaths and 20,000 emergency room visits caused by carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is absolutely preventable,” said Rep. Kuster. “One carbon monoxide death is too many, and by installing detectors in homes and public buildings, we can protect some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens from this deadly gas. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.”

“This legislation is very important for the safety of Americans,” said Rep. Carter. “We have had serious carbon monoxide poisoning incidents at home in the First District of Georgia. While the State of Georgia has made important strides on this issue, there is still more work to be done. I look forward to working on this critical issue with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act has been endorsed by some of the nation’s leading public safety advocacy groups, including Safe Kids Worldwide, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and Congressional Fire Services Institute.

“One reason carbon monoxide poisoning is so tragic is because it’s preventable through education and awareness and with the installation of detectors,” said Safe Kids New Hampshire. “Preventing injury is what Safe Kids is all about and this is why we are proud to have worked with Representatives Kuster and Carter, as well as Senators Klobuchar and Hoeven in support of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. This legislation will give first responders, public health officials and families the tools they need to protect our most vulnerable young citizens from this danger.”

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average 430 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning annually and over 2,000 more are hospitalized.  Many of those affected by this silent killer are among our most vulnerable populations," said Bill Webb, the Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.  "We applaud Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Carter for introducing this important, life-saving legislation.  We urge Congress to pass the legislation without delay."   

“The National Association of State Fire Marshals enthusiastically supports the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019,” said NASFM Executive Director Jim Narva. “With states focusing on low-income families, the elderly and children, the enactment of this bill and its grant program will save countless lives.” 

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