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.[1]References
- A flood-related outbreak of carbon monoxide poisoning--Grand Forks, North Dakota. Daley, W.R., Shireley, L., Gilmore, R. The Journal of emergency medicine. (2001) [Pubmed]
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