Occupational carbon monoxide fatalities in the US from unintentional non‐fire related exposures, 1992–2008

Abstract

Objective To analyze characteristics of, and trends in, work-related carbon monoxide (CO) fatalities in the US. Methods Records of unintentional, non-fire related fatalities from CO exposure were extracted from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Integrated Management Information System for years 1992–2008 and analyzed separately. Results The average number of annual CO fatalities was 22 (standard deviation = 8). Fatality rates were highest among workers aged ≥65, males, Hispanics, winter months, the Midwest, and the Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping industry subsector. Self-employed workers accounted for 28% of all fatalities. Motor vehicles were the most frequent source of fatal CO exposure, followed by heating systems and generators. Conclusions CO has been the most frequent cause of occupational fatality due to acute inhalation, and has shown no significant decreasing trend since 1992. The high number of fatalities from motor vehicles warrants further investigation.

Fatal carbon monoxide poisoning: A lesson from a retrospective study at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

“…[ 3 4 ] Use of room heaters, which is shown to be one of the top sources of CO fatalities, is predominant during the winter season and can release high amounts of CO if the equipment is not functioning properly or the place is not ventilated. [ 1 ] In this study too, the rooms in which the deceased were sleeping with the firepots/room heater were having poor ventilation with vents sealed to prevent any cold breeze.…”

“…Detection of CO collection is difficult for sleeping person because of its “silent” physical and chemical property. [ 1 ] People should be alarmed about the danger of CO collection and poisoning in a nonventilated room while using various room warming mechanisms such as firepots and room heater and by putting warning labels on various CO-producing appliances. [ 21 22 23 ] They should be taught to avoid using these appliances without proper ventilation in the area to avoid collection of dangerous CO.[ 24 25 ] Alternatively, a CO alarm can be put in the house and closed area, even in cars, while using these appliances[ 26 ] and it should be promoted as smoke alarms.…”

“…CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and nonirritating gas, which makes it difficult for those who are exposed to detect it. Because CO lacks sensory warning properties, it is commonly known as the “silent killer.”[ 1 ] CO is formed during an incomplete combustion of organic material, for example, gasoline, coal, wood, propane, and natural gas. Common workplace sources of CO include fuel-powered engines (motor vehicles, forklifts, generators, pumps, etc.…”

Hispanic health in the USA: a scoping review of the literature

“…Hispanics face an increased risk of mortality from some occupational hazards. As compared to NHW, the relative risk (RR) of a heat-related death among Hispanic agricultural workers was 3.4 (95% CI 2.0, 5.8) and among construction workers 1.7 (95% CI 1.1, 2.6); the risk of death from occupational carbon monoxide exposure was 1.4 ( p < 0.05) [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Notes from the Field: Occupational Carbon Monoxide Exposure in an Industrial Kitchen Facility ― Wisconsin, 2017

“…Gas-burning appliances in industrial kitchen facilities are not common occupational causes of CO-related morbidity and mortality ( 3 ). However, improperly maintained and ventilated appliances can be a source of CO exposure.…”