The Silent Killer of Winter Storms: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Across the United States from 1978 to 2021

Keywords: Carbon Monoxide Poisonings, Winter Storm
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 49

Abstract

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of non-medicinal deaths within the United States. Each year, it causes nearly 15,000 exposures and 500 deaths. These often result from winter storms that produce power outages, leading individuals to seek alternative heating sources. In this study, we examine the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon monoxide poisoning deaths and injuries related to winter storms from 1978 to present-day across the United States. Additionally, we analyze the carbon monoxide source (e.g. generators, charcoal) that resulted in each poisoning and plot them to examine regional bias. Newspaper articles from the Nexus Uni and ProQuest databases were used to gather case-specific information regarding carbon monoxide poisonings within winter storms. This data was then supplemented by information supplied by StormData from 1978 to 2004, and the CDC from 1982 to 1988. Using ArcGIS to create a map of carbon monoxide poisoning cases, we then located regions where carbon monoxide poisoning cases were the highest. With the information found within this study, we hope to increase awareness of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, specifically during winter, identify sources that are often the cause of exposures, and illustrate the trends of carbon monoxide poisoning over time within the United States.