CPSC Seeks to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Deaths Through Grant Program

Federal safety officials have awarded over $3 million in grants to 22 different state and local governments, as part of a continuing effort to reduce the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, which continues to cause about 500 deaths each year throughout the United States.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the winners of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Grant Program (COPPGP) on July 2, selecting the recipients from at least 31 applicants that sought the federal funds.

These grants will be supplemented by an additional $1 million from the recipients, to support initiatives that reduce the risk of deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels like gasoline, natural gas, oil, coal, wood, and charcoal. Common sources include gas-powered appliances, furnaces, car engines, and generators, but exposure can result in severe and life-threatening injuries.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the gas binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen transport to tissues and organs, resulting in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Severe cases can cause brain damage, heart problems, and death.

Since carbon monoxide leaks are so hard to detect, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation, regularly maintain fuel-burning appliances, and to install carbon monoxide detectors in homes and buildings.

Health officials have previously estimated that carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 500 people in the U.S. each year, and exposure to the gas is linked to about 15,000 emergency room visits annually. A CPSC report issued earlier this year warned that generators account for 40% of all carbon monoxide deaths related to consumer products.

The CPSC’s grant program, authorized by the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2022, provides grants to eligible state, local, and tribal governments. These funds are used to purchase and install CO alarms in homes of low-income families, the elderly, and facilities serving children or the elderly, such as childcare centers and senior centers.

Additionally, the program supports the development of training and public education programs aimed at preventing CO poisoning. Sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Hoeven, along with Representatives Buddy Carter and Annie Kuster, the legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 15, 2022.

The 22 grant recipients have two years to utilize the funding for CO alarm installations, training, and educational efforts in their communities. The largest recipients were the states of Oregon, Tennessee and Michigan, which each received $300,000 or more.

CPSC officials outlined a series of steps for consumers to follow to prevent fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Those recommendations included:

• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector or an alarm with battery backup on each level and outside separate sleeping areas of the home. Interconnected alarms are the best.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors and alarms every month and replace batteries if needed, to ensure they are always working properly.
• Ensure generators are only used outside, at least 20 feet away from the home, its porch, or carport, and never inside of a home, garage, basement, shed, or other enclosed space.
• Purchase a generator with an automatic shut-off safety feature that will turn off the generator when high levels of carbon monoxide are detected. Models that are certified to the latest PGMA G300-2018 standards reduce deaths by 87%, and those with UL 2201 standards reduce deaths by 100%.
• Ensure all fuel-burning systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents are well-maintained and inspected by a professional.
• When using electric portable heaters, consumers should ensure they are never unattended or running while they are sleeping, and should always be placed on a stable surface, at least three feet away from flammable objects.