Pennsylvania House approves bill for carbon monoxide alarms in childcare facilities
(WHTM)– The Pennsylvania House approved a bill that would require carbon monoxide detectors in childcare facilities in buildings with carbon monoxide sources.
House Bill 156, introduced by State Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh), aims to protect children from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning incidents at childcare facilities in Pennsylvania.
'Detecting carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult with children. It has no smell, no color and typically gives symptoms of headaches and nausea, which children and educators wouldn't typically associate with carbon monoxide poisoning,' said McNeill, D-Lehigh. 'Carbon monoxide leaks can easily go undetected, leading to tragic outcomes.'
McNeill said that there are currently no statewide carbon monoxide requirements, and the legislation would ensure that the youngest of Pennsylvanians will be protected from it every day.
She cited the October 2022 incident where 28 people at an Allentown daycare center, including children and staff, were transported to the hospital after a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
Many Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and McNeill believes the legislation is a 'sensible safety precaution that needs to be implemented.'
The bill will head to the Senate for consideration.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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