Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for January 5th, 2007.

This is an important message on carbon monoxide poisoning for people in severe weather affected areas. Consumers need to be aware that portable generators, charcoal grills and camp stoves produce carbon monoxide. At low levels carbon monoxide can make people sick, at high levels it can kill within minutes. Consumer should never use these products in or near your home or garage. Only operate them well away from buildings. During times of crisis don't sacrifice safety. This message is brought to you by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This week, CPSC rang in the New Year, by sounding the Carbon Monoxide alarm. What you just heard was a new radio public service announcement warning consumers about CO dangers when using portable generators.

CPSC also teamed up with the U.S. Fire Administration to produce a television public service announcement featuring Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. The new PSA can be viewed by going to WWW.CPSC.GOV.

Every year, winter storms leave CO poisoning deaths in their path. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. CPSC estimates about 140 people die each year from unintentional exposure to carbon monoxide associated with consumer products.

CPSC staff is aware through police, medical examiner and news reports of at least 32 CO deaths related to portable generators in the last three months of 2006.

Reducing CO poisonings and deaths is a priority at CPSC. This week, in an effort to stop consumers from using gasoline generators indoors, the Commission voted to require manufacturers to place prominent “danger” labels on all new generators and their packaging.

Here are more tips to prevent CO poisoning this winter.

Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.

Never use a gas range or oven for heating.

Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool.

Have home heating systems inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.

Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.

For more on carbon monoxide and other CPSC news announced this week, you can visit our Web site at www.CPSC.Gov. And, until next time, stay safe and Happy New Year!

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