Deaths by Portable Generators Increase Greatly

“Official Figures” for 2005, ….. CPSC

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1.  CPSC Warns Winter Storm Victims: Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 11, 2007

Release #08-125

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 

CPSC Warns Winter Storm Victims: Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with ice storms and severe winter weather. When there's a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can't see or smell it.  A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes.

Last year, at least 65 people died from generator-related CO poisoning.  Many of the deaths occurred after winter storms knocked out power.

Follow these important generator safety tips:

Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

Place portable generators outside only, far away from the home. And keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows and vents.

Read the label on the generator and the owner's manual, and follow the instructions.

Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.

Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy.

CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

Last year, CPSC mandated a new danger label on generators manufactured after May 14, 2007. The label states that, "Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES."

CPSC has additional rulemaking underway on generators. The Commission directed staff to investigate various strategies to reduce consumers'

exposure to CO and to enable and encourage them to use generators outdoors only. Those strategies include generator engines with substantially reduced CO emissions, interlocking or automatic shutoff devices, weatherization requirements, theft deterrence and noise reduction.

To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08125.html

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2007

Release #07-203

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: Julie Vallese or Patty Davis, (301) 504-7908 

Know Carbon Monoxide Dangers Before the Power Goes Out

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As hurricane season blows in, consumers need to be aware of the many dangers associated with severe weather. The U.S.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to protect themselves and their families not only during, but after the storm.

In 2005, CPSC received reports of at least 64 people who died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning associated with portable generators.

Portable gas generators, often used by consumers to restore power to their homes and businesses in the aftermath of a storm, produce high levels of odorless, poisonous CO. CPSC warns consumers that generators should be used outdoors only, far from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.

Porter Novelli "Healthstyles" surveys (Porter Novelli's 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles mail survey was conducted among approximately 10,000 adults age 18 and older using Synovate's Consumer Opinion Panel. Analyses were conducted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under a licensing agreement with Porter Novelli) of more than 10,000 adults found dangerous misconceptions about generator safety. The surveys found that most respondents (62 percent) believe it is safe to run a generator in a garage as long as the garage door is open. Many (47 percent) also believe it is safe to run a generator in a basement as long as a window is open. But both scenarios have caused deaths.

Even in a garage with the door open, CO can accumulate rapidly and seep into the home, overpowering sleeping occupants. CPSC warns consumers never to use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even with ventilation. CPSC estimates the amount of CO produced by just one generator is equal to the CO produced by hundreds of idling cars.

"Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless poison gas. It is an invisible killer," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "While generators can come in handy after a storm, using one indoors can kill you and your family in minutes."

Deaths associated with CO from portable generators have risen in recent years. In 1999, generators were involved with 6% of the total yearly estimated CO poisoning deaths associated with all consumer products compared to 24% in 2002.

CPSC has taken major steps to alert and safeguard consumers who use portable generators. CPSC mandated that all generators manufactured or imported on or after May 14, 2007, bear a prominent DANGER label to warn consumers about CO and encourage safe use.

CPSC is also pursuing rulemaking to develop performance requirements or other strategies to lower the risk of CO poisoning associated with portable generators.