Citation

King ME, Damon SA. Public Health Rep. (1974) 2011; 126(Suppl 1): 100-107.

Affiliation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. nzk7@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Association of Schools of Public Health)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21563717

PMCID

PMC3072908

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify attitudes and behaviors related to carbon monoxide (CO) safety that can be targeted with public health prevention strategies in the U.S. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added questions about (1) proper placement of gas-powered generators, (2) maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and (3) use of CO detectors to the 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles national health marketing surveys. RESULTS: In 2005, 63.3% of HealthStyles respondents agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in a garage as long as the door is open," while 43.1% agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in the basement." Most of the 2006 respondents (63.5%) agreed that it is important to have their furnace inspected annually. However, fewer than half of the 2006 respondents (42.0%)-most of whom were homeowners-reported owning a CO detector. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of adults in the U.S. reported attitudes and behaviors that may place them at increased risk for unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning, suggesting that current safety messages may not be reaching much of the public. Prevention messages should continue to promote proper generator placement, maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and use of CO detectors. Development of a comprehensive national strategy for CO surveillance and communication may help identify populations at increased risk and prevent future poisonings.

Language: en