Wintertime weather can bring about more than just snow emergencies in Minnesota. Accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings also peak during winter months, according to a new report on CO exposures released by the Minnesota Department of Health.
The report presents trends in unintentional CO exposures and poisonings throughout the state. Its findings include the numbers and rates of Minnesotans who are sickened by exposure to this odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas.
In just a five-year period (2003-2007), unintentional CO poisonings were responsible for 61 deaths, 175 hospitalizations and 1,261 ED visits among Minnesotans.
These numbers, which refer only to incidents that are not fire-related, are even higher when incidents involving accidental fires (such as residential fires) are included. The statistics paint a grim picture, especially since most of these unintentional CO poisonings are completely preventable.
A new Minnesota state law requiring CO alarms in all single-family homes and multifamily apartments became fully effective on August 1, 2009.
ADVERTISEMENT
In conjunction with this legislation, MDH is collecting telephone survey data on how many homes have CO alarms. This survey data, along with future CO reports, may be helpful in measuring the effectiveness of the new CO alarm legislation.
To prevent CO poisoning, MDH recommends the following:
Install and maintain a CO alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping; have a qualified technician check your heating systems and fuel burning appliances annually; educate yourself and family members about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning; never leave a car or truck running inside a garage attached to your house, even if you keep the garage door open.
The new carbon monoxide report is available at www.health.state.mn.us/tracking .
