Carbon Monoxide News October 21, 2013 - posts updated frequently

Every day is a carbon monoxide safety education day.
Scroll back in time through our archives for previous CO News links.

“I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.”
Kenny Rogers & The First Edition -"Just Dropped In" (Live)

CO and Air Quality News Links

Fire department evacuates Staunton Wal-Mart 
Staunton News Leader
STAUNTON — For the second time in three days, the city fire department has evacuated the Staunton Wal-Mart. But it’s not clear at this point whether the cause is the same or not. Saturday's evacuation started because of a suspicious odor in the store about 1:18 p.m. Firefighters also found elevated carbon monoxide levels in the building…
NOTE of experience on chasing the “CO ghost”: Wal-Mart and other “Box Store” type of businesses, often use propane fueled forklifts and other tow motors for bringing in and stocking new merchandise. These combustion systems running inside buildings are a health concern; just begin measuring the air inside when they are operating and note for how long the air remains contaminated.

Additionally, the use of propane fueled floor scrubbers and buffers are often utilized in the same type of businesses, including grocery stores, where the contaminated air can harm night workers and customers who enter the buildings. The combustion gasses that can contain carbon monoxide can linger for hours after the devices have been shut off. You can think about how long to ventilate after their use, or you can measure and then react.

You could also think about quitting the use of unvented combustion systems indoors. In any case, measuring for carbon monoxide inside all buildings is one of the best ideas you have had in a long time. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety

Consumers Energy Offers Lifesaving Tips During Carbon Monoxide ...
MarketWatch
"Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Most poisonings occur between November and February when homes and ...

Several studies show that exposure to air pollution elevates blood pressure
resperate.com
Before, doctors could only counsel people to change their diet and increase exercise as a means of reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke. However, given new research, improving air quality may also be a way of reducing one’s risk…

Heavy smog in northern Chinese city of Harbin closes schools, cancels flight and halts buses
The Republic
BEIJING — As northern China entered its high-smog season, one city's visibility was less than half a football field Monday and the manager of jazz singer Patti Austin said she had canceled a Beijing concert because of asthma likely linked to pollution…

Honoring Lindsey: Foundation urges state legislators to require carbon monoxide detectors by law
nwi.com
By Indiana law, all residential dwellings must have at least one functioning smoke alarm installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of the building. The state however has no law regarding carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, even as Indiana State Fire Marshal James Greeson recommends having a CO detector in the home if any type of fuel - kerosene, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil or methane - is used for heating and/or cooking…

Ontario, Canada
Current author of The Hawkins Gignac Act,
Ernie Hardeman, MPP, Oxford
I am writing to update you on my bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act, which would require carbon monoxide detectors in all homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.

As you may know, this bill was included in the programing motion that was passed by the Legislature on October 3 so we are hopeful that it will move forward and we will finally have third reading on the bill before Christmas.

The Hawkins Gignac Act is scheduled for second reading debate on Thursday October 31. It is the second private member’s bill up for debate that day so it will likely start around 2:15 PM. If you would like to attend please let me know.

As the Hawkins Gignac Act is included in the programming motion, it takes precedence over everything else at committee except other bills included in the programming motion. This means that hopefully committee hearings will take place the week after second reading, November 4-7.

The following week is constituency week so clause-by-clause will likely take place the week of November 18-21. The day after clause-by-clause the bill will be reported back to the Legislature, followed by third reading within five sessional (sitting) days. We expect that it will be short notice for third reading, but we’ll let you know the timing as soon as we can. We are hoping that people will be able to attend and join us afterwards for a celebration.

In preparation for second reading (and hopefully third reading) we are asking that, if possible, you send us a quote or letter supporting the Hawkins Gignac Act or the need for carbon monoxide detectors in all homes.

I appreciate all the support and assistance that we have received as we have worked to move this bill forward. Please feel free to share this update with anyone else you feel would be interested.

Thanks again for your support.

Ernie Hardeman, MPP
Oxford

Who is responsible for the air you breathe? Take control inside your homes.

-Link to: → CO alarm standards –  

The lowest U.L. 2034 & CSA 6.19 carbon monoxide alarm test point is:
- 70 PPM to 149 PPM –resist one hour, must alarm before 4 hours
Please read the alarm information on the packageand in the instructions. Know when your fire department and emergency responders begin wearing their breathing apparatus and what their civilian evacuation levels are for carbon monoxide; it may be before 70 PPM. It is for pregnant women, infants & children, the elderly and all people of vulnerable health. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety

Consider low level protection for carbon monoxide and smoldering fire detection problems; don't leave anyone behind.

These following links may be of some use to you:
- The World Clock - Time Zones
- Google Maps-
- Earthquake Map

World population counter

- American Red Cross
- Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
- Heart Rescue using an (AED)

- Current Data for Atmospheric CO2
- Federal Aviation Administration CO warning
- Carbon monoxide toxicity-Emergency Medicine Ireland
- Carbon Monoxide Survivor- Views from those who have been poisoned.
- Carbon Monoxide detection- National Fire Protection Association

Increased education, awareness can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Minnesota Department of Commerce

Carbon monoxide kills, founder sends warning Carbonmonoxidekills.com

· Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.

National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-seven U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia

The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece Instruments
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts CO-Experts Model 2014 Brochure
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International

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