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PRINTER'S NO. 4519
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1048
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY LAWRENCE, OCTOBER 16, 2020
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 16, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of November 2020 as "Carbon Monoxide
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, November is the best time to raise awareness for
carbon monoxide poisoning because 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 (CDC) found that Pennsylvania leads the nation in
accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths; and
WHEREAS, The CDC has determined that carbon monoxide claims
approximately 400 lives each year and 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 House of Representatives recognize the
month of November 2020 as "Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
20200HR1048PN4519 - 2 -
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