[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 478]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           PROTECTING FAMILIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, every year carbon monoxide kills over 400 
people and sends an additional 20,000 people to the emergency room. 
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, and poisoning from it 
most often occurs in households with a malfunctioning heat source.
  Because of its nature, it can be extremely difficult to detect a 
carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide detectors, however, are extremely 
effective in alerting families to a leak and have already saved lives.
  I am introducing bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Ann Kuster 
to allow States to apply for grants to purchase and install carbon 
monoxide detectors in schools, in low-income homes, and, also, senior 
residences at no cost to the taxpayer.
  The grants will also help and train local and State fire officials on 
the dangers of carbon monoxide and the best methods of prevention 
because, Mr. Speaker, it is important to educate the public on the 
risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and what people should do to protect 
themselves. This is one more way to do so.

                          ____________________