"Don't overlook the small lifesaver! When booking an Airbnb, check for a carbon monoxide alarm—your safety is as important as the charm of your stay."

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of India to make it mandatory for every residential building—new and old—to be equipped with certified carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels, making it a silent killer that can strike without warning. Every year, countless families are devastated by accidental CO poisoning, often during the colder months when heating appliances are in full use and ventilation is poor. While booking AirBnBs I realised the severe lack of Carbon Monoxide alarms in India and decide to tackle this issue by making it movement.

Why This Change is Urgent:

Silent but Deadly:
CO poisoning frequently goes undetected because the gas cannot be seen or smelled. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, and nausea are easily mistaken for common illnesses, often delaying the recognition of life-threatening exposure. Research from AIIMS, New Delhi, shows that most fatal cases occur when CO accumulates in poorly ventilated spaces during winter.

 
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable:
Millions of Indian families, especially in low-income and densely populated urban areas, use traditional heating methods and biomass fuels. These practices, combined with inadequate ventilation, dramatically increase the risk of CO buildup, placing children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions at grave risk.
Proven Life-Saving Technology:
Carbon monoxide alarms are a proven, cost-effective way to detect dangerous CO levels early, giving families time to ventilate their homes and seek help. Many countries have seen significant reductions in CO-related deaths by enforcing similar mandates. It is time India takes a definitive step to safeguard its citizens.
A Preventable Tragedy:
Too many lives have been lost to CO poisoning simply because of delayed detection. With mandatory CO alarms, early warnings can be issued, enabling immediate action that can save lives and prevent irreversible damage.
Our Demands:

Amend Building Codes:
Update national and local building codes to require the installation of certified carbon monoxide alarms in every residential building, including multi-storeyed apartments, rural homes, and low-income housing.
Public Awareness Campaign:
Launch a nationwide education campaign to inform citizens about the dangers of CO poisoning, the importance of regular appliance maintenance, and proper CO alarm installation and upkeep.
Subsidies for Safety Devices:
Introduce financial incentives or subsidies to ensure CO alarms are affordable for all households, especially for those in economically disadvantaged communities.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
Establish guidelines for annual CO safety checks in homes to ensure that alarms are functioning properly and that fuel-burning appliances are safely maintained.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a preventable tragedy. By mandating CO alarms, we can empower families to take proactive steps toward a safer home environment. We urge our government leaders to act swiftly and decisively to protect the lives of millions of Indians.

Sign this petition now and join us in demanding mandatory CO alarms in every home!