title: Two Storm-Related Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Outbreaks—Connecticut, October 2011 and October 2012.
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.
authors: a Epidemic Intelligence Service , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia , USA.
authors: Timothy
authors: T
authors: Styles
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Przysiecki
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Archambault
authors: Lynn
authors: L
authors: Sosa
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Toal
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Magri
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Cartter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006361:Heating; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014887:Weather; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: carbon monoxide poisoning; communications media; disaster medicine; environmental exposure; hazardous substances