Proposed legislation could impose tougher standards on carbon monoxide detectors

In an effort to prevent carbon monoxide-related deaths, U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) recently introduced legislation that would give the Consumer Product Safety Commission the ability to enforce tougher standards on carbon monoxide detectors to ensure their reliability.

According to a statement issued by the senators, although the CPSC has voluntary standards that are set by Underwriters Laboratories, this legislation would strengthen the safety standards for carbon monoxide alarms. It would also make these safety standards mandatory for all carbon monoxide detectors sold in the U.S.

"The danger posed by carbon monoxide poisoning is significant, especially in states like Maine with harsh winters where individuals have attempted to utilize dangerous methods to stay warm. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential in Maine households and it is absolutely vital that strong safety standards are in place for these alarms so that Mainers and Americans can detect when deadly fumes are present. This bipartisan legislation will help achieve that goal," said Snowe.

"We know that all too often the tragedy of someone dying from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning could have been prevented with better safeguards," Klobuchar said. "This bill will help ensure that families in Minnesota and across the country can sleep soundly knowing that they are protected from this deadly poison."

Click here to read the full press release.