Growing concerns over portable generators

The recent storm in the Pacific Northwest knocked out power to over a million homes and businesses, and left a hidden killer in its wake: something one doctor has dubbed the "carbon monoxide epidemic." As of earlier this week, at least 150 people in the region were reported to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, many due to improper use of portable generators. Several deaths were also reported, including an elderly couple in Canada who were found in their home with a gasoline generator running -- and all the windows and doors closed.

These  recent tragedies should be a reminder that although portable generators are useful for providing temporary or remote power, especially during emergency situations, they pose a serious poisoning hazard. The reason: They emit large quantities of the odorless, colorless carbon monoxide (CO) gas. In fact, a single portable generator can release about as much CO as the exhaust of 100 idling cars, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. So it's no wonder that consumers can be killed quickly if the devices are used indoors or too close to homes or in other enclosed spaces. According to the CPSC, there were at least 222 deaths related to CO poisoning associated with portable generators between 2000 to 2005; 64 occurred last year. Deaths have been increasing yearly as demand for the devices has risen.

The CPSC has recently launched two different initiatives to try to stem this growing problem. It is seeking a better warning label on generators and on December 6, the agency announced it would begin considering new mandatory federal standards to make the generators themselves safer through redesign, perhaps by requiring reduced CO emissions and/or automatic shut-off devices if the CO levels get too high. The agency also said it would consider requiring weatherization, theft deterrence and noise reduction standards, to enable and encourage consumers to use generators outdoors and properly placed far away from homes. (We believe that distance should be at least 15 feet.)

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, applauds the CPSC's efforts, including the agency's proposed mandatory warning label that would require manufacturers to place a specific DANGER label on portable generators to warn consumers about the hazards of CO (below).  CU notes that the effectiveness of a label, no matter how well designed, depends on the consumer's ability to read and follow its directions. In most situations in which a portable generator is used, consumers are operating them in the dark, in the midst of a storm, under pressure to act quickly to make the unit work. That's why CU has called for several changes in the proposed label. For example. placement of the new CO DANGER label is extremely important.  The tops of most portable generators are already filled with warning labels that can distract from the primary message. So CU is recommending that the warning be placed in a prominent location, such as on the plug or next to the starter so that it is clearly visible to consumers before they start the device.

Requiring a safety action, such as pushing in and holding down a button next to label, before portable generators could be started would also reduce the chances of overlooking the DANGER label. Next, equipping warning labels with the same type of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, often used to illuminate power outlets would ensure they would be visible in the dark. And finally, the labels should make it clear how far generators need to be placed from homes to protect consumers from CO exposure. It's so important, we'll reiterate it again: We recommend placing the generator at 15 feet from the house or garage. But even these changes, if accepted, may not be enough. That's why CU has also urged the CPSC to move quickly to require a built-in safety feature: a carbon-monoxide-sensing shutoff system. This safety device, whose concept has been proven in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission labs, automatically shuts off the generator engine in the presence of carbon monoxide.  Portable generators already shut themselves off when their engine oil is too low, so a carbon monoxide shut off system is not unrealistic.   

You can read the comment  that CU submitted to the CPSC on their proposal here.

For more information on portable generators, visit:

• Weathering disaster
• Generator maintenance
• Recommendations (subscribers only)

—Marc Perton