Carbon monoxide exposures in New York City following Hurricane Sandy in 2012

Abstract

CO exposures following weather-related disasters are a significant public health concern, and the use of fuel-burning equipment is a clear source of storm-related morbidity and mortality. Multiple real-time epidemiologic surveillance tools are useful in estimating the prevalence of CO exposure and poisoning and are necessary to assist public health efforts to prevent CO poisoning during and after disasters.

Success Factors of European Syndromic Surveillance Systems: A Worked Example of Applying Qualitative Comparative Analysis

“…The system was maintained by changing it into an automated system. The automated emergency department data based system was used to monitor multiple syndromes during the blackout in 2003 [ 47 ], the A/H1N1 pandemic 2009 [ 48 , 49 ] and the effects of hurricane Sandy in 2012 [ 50 ]. Another system part, which was analysing multiple other data sources, was only used for monitoring one syndrome during the blackout in 2003 [ 47 ].…”

Development and Application of Syndromic Surveillance for Severe Weather Events Following Hurricane Sandy

“…In addition to the NJDOH application, the NYCDOHMH and the NYSDOH have applied syndromic surveillance to evaluate the CO poisoning incidences associated with Hurricane Sandy. 4,22 Each jurisdiction applied the preexisting key word during and after Hurricane Sandy for the evaluation. The CDC Sandy Recovery funding for all 3 health departments has provided the opportunity to work together to develop and refine indicators related to severe weather and to explore the potential for regional data and information sharing plans for future events.…”

“…3 Widespread power outages may result in improper generator use, which can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 4 The mental health of the general population may also be compromised as a result of the distress and grief concurrent with displacement and the stress of rebuilding or relocating. 5 According to findings from the Sandy Child and Family Health Study, a large representative study of 1 million New Jersey residents potentially affected by Hurricane Sandy, housing damage after Hurricane Sandy often resulted in health problem profiles similar to those of communities living in deep poverty.…”

Enabling Rapid and Sustainable Public Health Research During Disasters

“…Goldfrank attributed this, in part, to the fact that the providers/investigators were closely linked with the community and deeply involved in the continuity of care of their patients (Tofighi et al, 2014). He also cited two rapid response studies looking at gasoline and carbon monoxide exposures; he said the studies were only possible because the NYU School of Medicine faculty and fellows are embedded in the public health infrastructure with joint institutional appointments and commitments (Chen et al, 2013;Kim et al, 2013).…”