A flood-related outbreak of carbon monoxide poisoning--Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Post-disaster carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a growing problem in the United States. This study describes a documented outbreak of CO poisoning associated with flooding. Health department staff investigated cases of CO poisoning following the severe flood of 1997 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Thirty-three laboratory-confirmed cases were identified, involving 18 separate incidents. Patients ranged in age from 7 to 67 years, and most were men. One patient lost consciousness and was admitted to the hospital; all others were released after receiving supplemental oxygen. Every incident involved gasoline-powered pressure washers being used in basements. Five incidents among professional cleaners accounted for 16 cases; the remaining incidents involved noncommercial use. Thirty patients, from 15 incidents, reported the basement was ventilated while the pressure washer was in use. CO poisoning must be considered a potential hazard after major floods.
Daley
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WR
Health Studies Branch, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Shireley
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L
Gilmore
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R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D004190:Disasters; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009658:North Dakota; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013242:Sterilization