U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is setting his sights on ways to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Schumer, D-N.Y., has introduced legislation with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that would authorize the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish new guidelines and provide support for educating the public about carbon monoxide.
The bill would also encourage the installation of carbon monoxide detectors, according to Schumer.
Schumer's legislation would build on Amanda's Law, a New York law requiring all homes to have at least one carbon monoxide detector. The law is named for Amanda Hansen, a 16-year old from the Buffalo area who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2009.
"Carbon monoxide poisoning is an indiscriminant and stealthy killer, so we cannot remain silent about the danger it poses, especially when winter rolls in and oil and gas heaters are more heavily in use," Schumer said. "That’s why our legislation steps up federal support for both public education and carbon monoxide detection, which will give American families the tools they need to detect carbon monoxide risk before it can cause harm.
"Amanda Hansen’s family and friends have worked hard to pass a similar law here in New York State, and I am proud to now help them continue that effort at the federal level."
Ken Hansen, Amanda's father, said they support Schumer's effort and praised him for his work on the issue.
"We have worked hard to pass important legislation at the state level and now, with Senator Schumer's help, we are hopeful that families across the country will become more aware of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide poisoning," Hansen said.
The Centers for Disease Control said more than 400 people die and 20,000 visit the emergency room every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The highest number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur during December, January and February.