HUD moves to demand carbon monoxide detectors in social housing after death

"Because it's impossible to see, taste or smell toxic fumes, the CO can kill you before you know that it's in your house," HUD said in a statement. # 39; s opinion. For this reason, continues the memo, "a device – a CO detector – is needed to determine the presence of high and dangerous concentrations of CO in a residence".

Housing advocates praised HUD's latest decision, but urged the Trump administration and Congress to take further action to protect vulnerable families – and ensure that homeowners have the means to do so.

Emily Benfer, an associate professor of law at Columbia University, said the HUD announcement was "an important step in the right direction," but she feared the new rule would take too long to be implemented. She urged the agency to take immediate action.

"The HUD could protect tenants now by establishing an interim or direct rule that immediately requires carbon monoxide detectors in federally assisted housing," said Benfer, a public health expert. "In terms of life and death, HUD has good reason to demand immediate respect and notification to tenants of carbon monoxide threats, which are neither required nor required. by this guide. "

According to spokesman Brian Sullivan, HUD said it was not up to the agency to impose this requirement immediately.

Industry groups also praised HUD 's decision, but feared that short – term social housing authorities might have trouble installing detectors without additional funding.

"In order to ensure the rapid installation of the detectors, the HUD and Congress must also understand that some agencies that manage social housing may need to access additional resources," said Sylvia Gimenez, who word of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Managers, Occupational Group for Housing Managers.

Senator Tim Scott, R-S, stated that he had repeatedly asked Carson to take steps in this direction and to ask for detectors. "The senator had a direct call with Carson, as well as sending letters and meetings from our staff many times," said Sean Smith, spokesman for Scott. In January, two residents died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a social housing complex in Columbia, South Carolina, devoid of detectors.

Last month, members of the House and Senate introduced bills requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all public housing, including $ 10 million in funding to help cover the cost of living. purchase of devices.

"HUD's decision stresses the importance of adopting the Safe Housing for Families Act, which would provide funds and create detectors in public housing required by law in the United States, was co-sponsored by" Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Ill. The bill of the House, said in a statement.

"I look forward to reviewing HUD's rules and will continue to work to ensure that people living in social housing, often communities of color, seniors and economically disadvantaged people are protected from CO poisoning." carbon, "added Garcia.

Sullivan, the HUD spokesperson, said agency funds from the Global Community Development Grants program, social housing investment funds, and HUD Healthy Homes program grants are " possible sources of federal aid "for the purchase and installation of carbon monoxide detectors.

Every year, at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and about 50,000 go to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In its guidelines, HUD noted that death rates from carbon monoxide are highest among blacks and seniors, both of which constitute a disproportionate number of social housing dwellers.

At a recent budget hearing, Carson promised to work with members of Congress to "kick-start legislation" to protect social housing residents from the dangers of carbon monoxide .