A flood-related outbreak of carbon monoxide poisoning - Grand Forks, NorthDakota

Post-disaster carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a growing problem in the Un ited States. This study describes a documented outbreak of CO poisoning ass ociated with flooding. Health department staff investigated cases of CO poi soning following the severe flood of 1997 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Thi rty-three laboratory-confirmed cases were identified, involving 18 separate incidents. Patients ranged in age from 7 to 67 years, and most were men. O ne patient lost consciousness and was admitted to the hospital; all others were released after receiving supplemental oxygen. Every incident involved gasoline-powered pressure washers being used in basements. Five incidents a mong professional cleaners accounted for 16 cases; the remaining incidents involved noncommercial use. Thirty patients, from 15 incidents, reported th e basement was ventilated while the pressure washer was in use. CO poisonin g must be considered a potential hazard after major floods. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science Inc.