Does public education reduce ice storm-related carbon monoxide exposure?

Lin, George; Conners, Gregory P.

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2005.05.003

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 11 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Evidence indicates that intensive public education before and after a storm can decrease CO poisonings, especially among minority groups. 22 Because of challenges in communicating with people without electricity and because CO poisonings have been documented as early as nine hours after a storm, 9 dissemination of prevention messages should begin before storms whenever possible. Messages disseminated after storms should begin immediately, because the majority of CO-poisoning cases after storms occur on days two and three, 5 and should use multiple forms of media to reach people without electricity (e.g., radio, fact sheets, door-to-door campaigns, and mobile telephone text messages).…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning after an Ice Storm in Kentucky, 2009

et al. 2011

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during natural disasters. On January 26-27, 2009, a severe ice storm occurred in Kentucky, causing widespread, extended power outages and disrupting transportation and communications. After the storm, CO poisonings were reported throughout the state. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the extent of the problem, identify sources of CO poisoning, characterize cases, make recommendations to reduce morbidity and mortality, and develop prevention strategies.Methods. We obtained data from the Kentucky Regional Poison Center (KRPC), hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) facilities, and coroners. Additionally, the Kentucky Department for Public Health provided statewide emergency department (ED) and hospitalization data.Results. During the two weeks after the storm, KRPC identified 144 cases of CO poisoning; exposure sources included kerosene heaters, generators, and propane heaters. Hospitals reported 202 ED visits and 26 admissions. Twentyeight people received HBOT. Ten deaths were attributed to CO poisoning, eight of which were related to inappropriate generator location. Higher rates of CO poisoning were reported in areas with the most ice accumulation.Conclusions. Although CO poisonings are preventable, they continue to occur in postdisaster situations. Recommendations include encouraging use of CO alarms, exploring use of engineering controls on generators to decrease CO exposure, providing specific information regarding safe use and placement of CO-producing devices, and using multiple communication methods to reach people without electricity.

show abstract

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning after an Ice Storm in Kentucky, 2009

et al. 2011

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Existing literature demonstrates that Latino immigrants are at higher risk of CO poisoning, and promotion of this awareness, specifically, to this group is needed (Runyan, Johnson et al, 2005). There have been recommendations for combination interventions of public education along with the distribution of safety devices (CDC, 2004;Lin & Conners, 2005). The CDC supports the recommendation made by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that a functioning CO detector can protect individuals from unintentional CO exposure and save lives.…”

Section: > Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Evaluation of a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Education Program

Schwartz

Martinez

Louie

et al. 2009

Health Promotion Practice

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Research has shown that proper use of a CO detector in the home can reduce morbidity and mortality related to unintentional CO exposure. The authors evaluated three CO education workshops that included distribution of free CO detectors for home use, and their intervention reached 133 participants. Pretest surveys and follow-up calls evaluated change in knowledge and behavior factors. Results showed that statistically significant increases were found on three out of five knowledge-based items and 91% of respondents (N = 80) reported installing CO detectors in their home. Follow-up calls provided an opportunity to clarify information and provide tailored information to participants.

show abstract

“…Racial and ethnic differences have also been found in terms of the source of CO emissions. In general, the prevailing source for CO exposure among Whites is from gas-powered generators with charcoal briquettes being the most-common source of CO exposures in Asian, African and to a lesser degree Hispanic immigrant populations (Broder et al, 2005;Gulati et al, 2009;Houck & Hampson, 1997;Lin & Conners, 2005;Ralston & Hampson, 2000;Wrenn & Conners, 1997). This trend was observed across the nation and for numerous winter events.…”

Section: Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By far, the prevailing source of CO poisoning after a winter weather event is from gas-powered generators with other common sources being propane heaters, vehicles and charcoal briquettes (Daley et al, 2000;Gulati et al, 2009;Houck & Hampson, 1997;Lin & Conners, 2005;Wrenn & Conners, 1997). Closer examination of CO injuries has shown a clear vulnerability among ethnic groups, with minority and immigrant populations suffering a disproportionate burden of CO injuries and deaths.…”

Section: Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…News stories at the start of the winter season should focus on the proper use of power generators and the symptoms of CO monoxide poisoning targeting the most vulnerable groups including the poor and minority, immigrant groups. Lin and Conners (2005) found that a public education campaign directed at vulnerable minority groups detailing the dangers of charcoal as a CO source may be effective at reducing this dangerous practice.…”

Section: Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killermentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Beyond “Snow Shoveler's Infarction”: Broadening perspectives on winter health risks

Haney

2020

Geography Compass

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Winter constitutes a significant threat to humans via damages, injuries, and fatalities in mid and high latitude environments. Much of the research into the health impacts of winter centers on urban areas in the snow climates of North America. When considering how humans are vulnerable to winter hazards, the legend of Snow‐Shoveler's Infarction dominates the public's assessment of winter health risks. This article seeks to broaden the understanding of winter hazards by summarizing the diversity of impacts on human health including frostbite, hypothermia, traffic accidents, slips, and falls, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in addition to injuries, and fatalities associated with snow removal. Further, social determinants such as poverty and social isolation are identified as being associated with negative health outcomes. The disproportionate health impacts of winter are also summarized, thus revealing how some groups, particularly the disadvantaged, the elderly and those with preexisting health issues in urbanized snow climates of the United States and Canada, are more vulnerable to winter hazards.

show abstract

Does public education reduce ice storm-related carbon monoxide exposure?

Cited by 12 publications

References 11 publications

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning after an Ice Storm in Kentucky, 2009

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning after an Ice Storm in Kentucky, 2009

An Evaluation of a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Education Program

Beyond “Snow Shoveler's Infarction”: Broadening perspectives on winter health risks

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About