Bill would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide support for public safety education and installment of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors 

Legislation named after two young brothers from Kimball, MN who died from carbon monoxide poisoning

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced today that her legislation to help prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning passed the Senate Commerce Committee, paving the way for consideration by the full Senate. The Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, named for two young brothers from Kimball, MN who died from carbon monoxide poisoning, would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to provide support for public safety education and to encourage installment of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent, odorless killer that can strike at a moment’s notice if the proper safeguards aren’t in place,” Klobuchar said. “This commonsense bill will further educate families about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and help ensure the installation of effective detectors that can help keep families and communities safe.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 400 deaths and 20,000 emergency room visits as a result of CO poisoning each year and the highest percentage of CO exposures occurs during the winter months of December, January, and February. CO poisoning can happen whenever a fuel-burning appliance is used improperly or malfunctions, other sources include fireplaces and vehicles left running in attached garages.  When gas builds up in a building it can quickly lead to illness or even death.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Ed Markey (D-MA).

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