The epidemiology and characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning among recreational boaters. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaSala, G.; McKeever, R.; Okaneku, J.; Jacobs, D.; Vearrier, D.
• Is Part Of: Clinical toxicology. Volume 53:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicological emergencies -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.996571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-3650

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Introduction.</italic> Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been reported in the setting of recreational boating however, previous research addressing the epidemiology of carbon monoxide-related injury and death in recreational boaters has been limited. <italic>Materials and methods</italic>. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Recreational Boating Statistics annual reports for the 10-year period 2002 – 2011 were analyzed to determine the epidemiology and characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning among recreational boaters in the United States. Regression analysis was performed to determine statistical significance for trend. <italic>Results</italic>. The mean number of accidents, injuries and deaths per year due to CO exposure on recreational watercrafts was 14.5 (95% CI 12.1-16.9), 30.9 (95% CI 22.4-39.4) and 6.7 (95% CI 4.5-9.0) respectively. Cabin motorboats accounted for 49 accidents, 123 injuries and 29 deaths. California had 24 carbon monoxide- related accidents over the 10-year study period. Regression analysis showed no overall linear trend in the number of carbon monoxide-related boating accidents, injuries, or deaths as an absolute number or as a percent of all boating accidents, injuries or deaths over the study period. <italic>Discussion</italic>. The majority of carbon monoxide-related boating accidents, injuries and deaths occurred with cabin motorboats. The state with the largest number of carbon monoxide-related accidents over the 10-year study period was California. <italic>Conclusions</italic>. Carbon monoxide-related accidents involving recreational boating constitute an important and under recognized cause of injury and death in the United States.</p> </abstract>