Matheson Reintroduces Residential CO Poisoning Prevention Act

Security Industry Association (SIA)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Security Industry Association (SIA), in conjunction with several other groups, is supporting bipartisan legislation reintroduced by Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Congressman Charlie Bass (R-NH) to increase the use of life-saving residential carbon monoxide alarms.

The Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act is similar to legislation that was approved by the House of Representatives in the last session of Congress, but the Senate did not vote on the bill. The Senate version was introduced by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Klobuchar (D-MN).

“Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in this country,” said Matheson. “There’s a simple way to lower that number- installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in homes and residences.”

The bill sets up a grant program to encourage states to enact a rule or law requiring all dwelling units and apartment buildings to have carbon monoxide alarms. States with greater than average fatalities from CO poisoning and those serving vulnerable populations, such as children or seniors, would be given priority. The grant program will be administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

In an earlier Congressional hearing on CO poisoning, an official with CPSC testified that only 35 to 50 percent of U.S. households have CO alarms. He said that working with state and local authorities is critical to dispensing information on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, CO kills 500 people annually in the U.S. and sickens more than 20,000.

“SIA supports the enactment of legislation that provides standards for CO detectors. Federal support for installation of these live-saving devices is always an added incentive,” said Marcus Dunn, SIA’s Director of Government Relations.


About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and fostering collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Expos and Conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground Conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.