Media Release

For: Embargoed until January 22, 2008
Date: January 18, 2008

Director of Health, State Fire Marshal, and State Building Commissioner Unveil Plan to Address Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Department of Health Auditorium
3 Capitol Hill, Cannon Building
Lower Level

The recent carbon monoxide-related fatalities in Providence were tragic and preventable. In response, Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH; Chief Deputy Richard James of the State Fire Marshal’s Office; and State Building Commissioner, Jack Leyden will unveil a multifaceted plan to prevent future carbon monoxide poisonings. Providence Mayor, David N. Cicilline and Warwick Mayor, Scott Avedisian will be joining the news conference.

As part of the plan, the Department of Health is proposing to amend its hospital licensure and disease reporting regulations. These amendments will require all hospital emergency departments to have the instruments available to conduct carbon monoxide screening. Further, all persons currently responsible for disease reporting will be required to report cases of carbon monoxide poisoning to the Department of Health to ensure that each case receives proper follow-up. Efforts by the State Fire Marshal focus on improving compliance with requirements for installation of carbon monoxide detectors.

As part of a longer-term strategy for preventing carbon monoxide exposures, these agencies will seek to collaborate with a broader group of partners: 

• Local fire officials and local building officials to improve compliance with existing requirements for carbon monoxide detectors.
• Community-based health care providers to expand beyond emergency medicine settings so that carbon monoxide exposures are assessed wherever pulse CO-oximeters are used.
• Minority health promotion centers, lead centers, and other community partners involved in home-based care to promote carbon monoxide awareness, detector installation, and ways to prevent exposure.