Heating oil company responses to inquiries concerning carbon monoxide toxicity

Study objective: Carbonmonoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning fata lities in the United States. We conducted a survey to sample the quality of the information available to the public from Connecticut heating oil distr ibutors regarding these risks. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional telephone survey of oil distribu tors in Connecticut was conducted, using a-scripted set of questions regard ing CO poisoning risk from oil-burning furnaces. We first asked whether suc h a risk existed and then elicited explanations for confirmation or denial of that risk. We then inquired as to the proper response to a home CO detec tor alarm. Of 282 calls made, responses were obtained from 91 distributors. Reasons for lack of response included incorrect phone listings, duplicate listings, and unwillingness of the person answering to respond to the quest ions asked. Results: Nearly one fourth of distributors responding (23%) denied any risk of CO poisoning from oil burners, 43% of these claiming that the odor woul d provide protective warning before toxic exposure; another 33% stated that CO is a risk only with gas healers. Of the 77% who confirmed the possibili ty of CO toxicity, half (49%) minimized the risk, also invoking a "warning odor." In case of CO alarm, only 14% of responders recommended turning off the furnace until the source is found. Five percent did not recommend havin g ambient CO levels checked at the time of the alarm. Conclusion: Heating oil companies in Connecticut do not uniformly provide c orrect information regarding CO risks. In our survey a majority of distribu tors responding offered misplaced "reassurance." As such, they are a potent ial area for public health intervention and an untapped resource for educat ing the public an these risks.