PRINTER'S NO. 1340
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
265
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, SABATINA AND COSTA, OCTOBER 29, 2019
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, OCTOBER 29, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of November 2019 as "Carbon Monoxide
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, November is the best time to raise awareness for
carbon monoxide poisoning as the threat of exposure increases as
people stay indoors and burn more fuel to heat their homes
during the winter months; and
WHEREAS, Exposure occurs most commonly when a person leaves a
vehicle running, burns charcoal, alcohol or gasoline in an
enclosed space or smokes a cigar, cigarette or pipe; and
WHEREAS, Incorrectly vented or malfunctioning appliances and
products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines,
such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers and power
washers, also produce carbon monoxide; and
WHEREAS, Carbon monoxide is known as a "silent killer"
because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas
that can be fatal when inhaled; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include a
dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting,
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shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of
consciousness; and
WHEREAS, The health effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can
vary significantly due to age, sex, weight and overall state of
heath; and
WHEREAS, Depending on the degree and length of exposure,
carbon monoxide poisoning can harm the central nervous system,
cause permanent brain damage or damage the heart, leading to
life-threatening cardiac complications or death; and
WHEREAS, A 2007 study by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention found that Pennsylvania leads the nation in
accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
determined that carbon monoxide claims approximately 400 lives
each year and that carbon monoxide exposure sends more than
20,000 people to emergency rooms annually; and
WHEREAS, Public education and awareness about carbon monoxide
poisonings are critical to protecting residents of Pennsylvania
from the dangers of this deadly gas and the risk factors in the
home; and
WHEREAS, Carbon monoxide alarms have been determined to be
the most effective way to detect carbon monoxide; and
WHEREAS, There is a dramatic correlation between cities with
carbon monoxide alarm ordinances and lower death rates from
carbon monoxide poisoning; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of November
2019 as "Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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