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.
The agency has posted a new alert on its Web site, www.cpsc.gov, with
tips for consumers on safe generator use.
To see this release on CPSC's web site, including a graphic of the
danger label and links to the new alert, please go to:http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07203.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.
