Trends in carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in high frequency hurricane states from 2014–19: the need for prevention intervention strategies

Abstract

Introduction Hurricanes often result in power outages, which increase generator usage and carbon monoxide (CO) deaths. We aim to identify states with the highest frequency of hurricanes and evaluate the number of unintentional CO poisoning deaths by region, age, race and metropolitan distribution. Methods The number of hurricanes was determined using the FEMA database, and the number of unintentional CO poisoning deaths was determined using the CDC WONDER database from 2014–19. Hurricane-associated consumer outages were obtained from the Department of Energy. Results The number of unintentional CO poisoning deaths was as follows: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Adults displayed a significantly higher number of unintentional CO poisoning deaths than pediatrics (P < 0.001). The total number of unintentional CO poisoning deaths was highest in the White population (P < 0.001); however, unintentional CO poisoning death rates were nearly two times higher among Black population in adults (0.5 versus 0.3) and pediatrics (0.2 versus 0.1). Medium metropolitan areas exhibited significantly more unintentional CO poisoning deaths (P < 0.001). Conclusions Hurricanes and unintentional CO poisoning deaths were most common in Florida. Death rates were higher among Black individuals. Medium metropolitan areas displayed significantly more unintentional CO poisoning deaths than all other areas.

Observation of the Preparation Phase Associated with Mw = 7.2 Haiti Earthquake on 14 August 2021 from a Geophysical Data Point of View

“…4. Increased seismic rate from about 80 to 60 days before the mainshock, synchrono with anomalies in the atmosphere and two consecutive days of CSES-01 Ne anom Some atmospheric anomalies in carbon monoxide in the days immediately following the extreme weather events may be related to the increase of using power generators as emergency recovery solutions, as reported in previous cases dealing with a higher risk of CO poisoning for this reason [100]. Sulphur dioxide increase due to the same reason was reported in the aftermath of the previous Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 2017 [101].…”

“…Considering the above list, three events are selected as potentially affecting the an yses of this paper: Hurricane Elsa [97], Tropical Storm Fred [98] and Hurricane Grace [9 The positions of the centre of Elsa and Grace hurricanes and Fred storm are reported Figure 17, along with the date reported by the National Hurricane Center [97][98][99]. Some atmospheric anomalies in carbon monoxide in the days immediately followi the extreme weather events may be related to the increase of using power generators emergency recovery solutions, as reported in previous cases dealing with a higher risk CO poisoning for this reason [100]. Sulphur dioxide increase due to the same reason w reported in the aftermath of the previous Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 20 [101].…”