Citation

Styles T, Przysiecki P, Archambault G, Sosa L, Toal B, Magri J, Cartter M. Arch. Environ. Occup. Health 2014; 70(5): 291-296.

Affiliation

a Cancer Surveillance Branch and the Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health , Hartford , Connecticut , USA .

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19338244.2014.904267

PMID

24971904

Abstract

Storm-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning outbreaks occurred in Connecticut in 2011 and 2012, despite efforts to improve public messaging. We describe the cases and incidents and identify possible preventive interventions. We defined cases as blood carboxyhemoglobin ≥9.0% among persons exposed to alternative power or heat sources because of storm-related losses. We identified 133 cases, including 3 deaths, in 2011 and 30 in 2012, associated with 72 and 11 incidents, respectively. Racial/ethnic minorities were overrepresented (60% of 2011 patients; 48% in 2012), compared with Connecticut's minority population (29%). Generator or charcoal misuse (83% in 2011; 100% in 2012) caused the majority of incidents. Few CO-source operators recalled media or product CO warnings. Incorrect generator and charcoal use, racial/ethnic disparities, and incomplete penetration of warning messages characterized both outbreaks. A multifaceted approach is needed to decrease postdisaster CO poisonings.

Language: en