The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued notice of a proposed standard that would require manufacturers to place a new warning label on portable generators.
The proposed ruling is being made in an effort to reduce the rising death toll from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with the use of portable generators.
The warning label includes pictograms and statements warning consumers that a generator's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide and that a generator should never be used inside the home or in partially enclosed areas such as garages.
In 2005, 64 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with portable generators, according to CPSC reports. Many of the deaths occurred after hurricanes and major storms.
Later this year, CPSC staff will be providing the Commission with information on other potential regulatory and non-regulatory options to reduce deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
The public has 75 days to comment to the Commission about the NPR.