Imbierowicz Foundation recognized for CO poisoning prevention efforts

WEST CHESTER » The Carly Imbierowicz Foundation was recognized this week for its work in educating children, teens, and families on the dangers of carbon monoxide.

“I want to thank Donna Imbierowicz and her family for their continued work and tireless efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide,” state Sen. Andy Dinniman said. “They are an example of parents and family members who, in the face of unspeakable tragedy, have turned their grief into community action in working to save lives and prevent CO poisoning in others.”

The foundation is named for the late Carly Marie Imbierowicz who, along with a close friend, tragically passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning on their way home from a movie in November 2014. A broken exhaust pipe allowed deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter the car through the passenger air vents and the teens perished within minutes. Since then, Carly’s mother, Donna, has been a strong advocate for raising awareness of the dangers and prevalence of carbon monoxide poisoning and providing carbon monoxide detectors to those in need.

Carbon monoxide is called the “silent killer” – it’s colorless, odorless, tasteless, and can’t be detected by humans without the help of an alarm or detector. Depending on the degree and length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can harm the central nervous system, cause permanent brain damage or damage the heart, leading to lifethreatening cardiac complications or death.

Imbierowicz thanked Dinniman for his work and various efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide, including having Penn DOT update the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual to include important information about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“As the weather turns cold, more residents are at risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide from heaters, generators, furnaces, and other appliances,” Dinniman said. “There’s also the danger of carbon monoxide

poisoning in malfunctioning vehicles or those with exhaust pipes that are blocked by obstructions – like leaves, mud, or snow. It’s important that all of us, especially young people, are aware of the serious dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, recognize the symptoms, and take steps to prevent it because it can very difficult to detect.”

Exposure to carbon monoxide may be particularly

SUBMITTED PHOTO Senator Dinniman presents a Senate Resolution recognizing November 2020 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to Donna Imbierowicz of the Carly Imbierowicz Foundation. Also pictured is Donna’s son, Andy, and their mastiff, Malachi.