Although carbon monoxide poisoning can almost always be prevented, every year, about 450 people in the United States die as a result of accidental, non-fire related exposure to this toxic gas. And, every year, thousands more people across the United States require emergency medical care for non-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tracking carbon monoxide poisoning will provide a better understanding of the health consequences of carbon monoxide poisonings across the country and track the impact of public health policy aimed at preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
This indicator estimates the number of people who were admitted to the hospital due to CO exposure. Studies have found that 10% to 40% of survivors of severe carbon monoxide poisoning may have long-term neurological problems. Understanding that the data have limitations is important. Cause of injury coding in hospital admission or discharge records is not mandatory in all states, which limits the comparability of the indicator from state to state.
This indicator shows the number of patients seen in an emergency department for carbon monoxide poisoning. These patients may have health effects ranging from very minor to severe. However, even minor and moderate cases of carbon monoxide poisoning indicate an underlying CO hazard in the patient's home, work, or recreational environment. Understanding that the data have limitations is important. Cause of injury coding in hospital admission or discharge records is not mandatory in all states, which limits the comparability of the indicator from state to state.
Carbon monoxide poisoning mortality and reported carbon monoxide exposures data will be available on the Tracking Network soon. Please visit the Related Links section to find additional resources for carbon monoxide poisoning mortality and reported carbon monoxide exposures or visit CDC's Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Program.
Death is the most severe outcome of carbon monoxide poisoning. This indicator tracks the number of persons who lost their lives as a result of being unintentionally exposed to CO. Death investigation laws and reporting vary by locale, which limits the comparability of the data.
Reported Carbon Monoxide Exposures
Poison control centers respond to calls from the public and health care providers concerning exposure to toxic substances, including CO. This indicator provides information about people exposed to potentially hazardous levels of CO that may not be captured in hospital or emergency department data. Understanding that the data have limitations is important. Specifically, poison control centers do not capture all hazardous CO exposures. For example, in the event of suspected CO exposure, a person may first notify his or her local fire department, 9-1-1, or even his or her utility provider; in these cases, the poison control center may not be notified.
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Reported Carbon Monoxide Exposures
