Senator Malcolm A. Smith Announces Amanda’s Law in Effect

Bill Honors Teen Who Died of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; Requires the Installation of Detectors

 (St. Albans, NY) Senator Smith has announced the enactment of Amanda’s Law to protect families from carbon monoxide poisoning. Known as the “the silent killer” responsible for the deaths of more than 500 people every year, victims cannot see or smell the carbon monoxide poisoning their bodies.

Named in remembrance of Amanda Hanson, a 16-year-old who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping over at a friend’s house, the new law applies to all one-family and two-family homes, condominiums or cooperatives, and multiple dwellings where there are heating and cooking appliances which emit the deadly gas.

Detectors are also required in new constructions where they will be hard-wired in; only battery-operated detectors are required in existing homes. Those in violation of the law can be cited at the time of inspection or when a complaint has been filed which protects tenants from owner negligence.

“Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because there is no forewarning that poisoning is happening – it is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas which can kill in minutes.  Carbon monoxide alarms are inexpensive and save lives,” Senator Smith said. 

Carbon monoxide is produced from burning fuels such as wood, natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene and gasoline.  In order to prevent poisoning:

• Never run generators in indoor spaces.  Generators should only be operated outdoors away from and downwind of buildings.
• Never use a gas oven for warmth because they can cause a build-up of toxic carbon monoxide in your home.
• Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
• Never run any gasoline powered engine (i.e. automobile, lawnmower, snow blower) in an enclosed space.  Always open the garage door first.

The senator urged anyone who believes they may be suffering carbon monoxide poisoning to open windows and doors, and go directly to the emergency room for testing.

“Our legislation will make homes safer. It is in the best interests of every family and landlord to install a detector and make sure it is operational at all times,” Senator Smith concluded.

For more information on poison control call the New York Regional Poison Control Center at

1-800-222-1222 or visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/poison_control/centers.htm.