LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim January 2014 as Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced
whenever any fuel such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene,
wood or charcoal is burned; devices that produce carbon monoxide include
cars, boats, gasoline engines, stoves and heating systems; carbon monox-
ide from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces;
and
WHEREAS, Often called the silent killer because if early signs are
ignored, a person may lose consciousness and be unable to escape the
danger, carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning death in
the United States and is responsible for about 500 deaths and 15,000
visits to the emergency room annually; and
WHEREAS, When people inhale carbon monoxide, the toxic gas enters the
bloodstream and blocks oxygen from being absorbed into the body, which
can damage tissues and even result in death; older adults over 65 years
of age are especially vulnerable to unintentional carbon monoxide
poisoning due to their high frequency of pre-existing medical condi-
tions; and
WHEREAS, For most people, the first signs of exposure to low concen-
trations of carbon monoxide include mild headache and breathlessness
upon moderate exercise; continued or acute exposure can lead to flu-like
symptoms including more severe headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea,
confusion, irritability, and impaired judgment, memory and coordination;
and
WHEREAS, Breathing low concentrations of carbon monoxide may not
result in obvious symptoms of poisoning, but may cause long-term health
damage, even after the exposure to the gas is removed; and
WHEREAS, On January 17, 2009, a junior at West Seneca Senior High
School and a member of the swim team, Amanda J. Hansen succumbed to
carbon monoxide poisoning after sleeping near a malfunctioning basement
boiler during a sleepover party; and
WHEREAS, To bring something positive out of this tragedy, Ken and Kim
Hansen established the Amanda J. Hansen Foundation in honor of their
daughter to raise money for a scholarship fund and to promote the
dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of using detectors in
residences; and
WHEREAS, As of February 22, 2010, Amanda's Law took effect in the
State of New York, requiring the mandatory installation of operable
carbon monoxide detectors in every home throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the critical importance of
educating the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the need
to use carbon monoxide detectors in their homes; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2014 as Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, West Seneca Senior High School, and the family of Amanda J.
Hansen.