Non-fire carbon monoxide-related deaths, Oklahoma 1994-2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of non-fire carbon monoxide (CO)-related deaths and assess temporal trends, high-risk groups, and sources of CO resulting in deaths to Oklahoma residents from 1994-2003. Mortality data was collected from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. There were 281 non-fire, carbon monoxide-related deaths; 77% of CO deaths were suicides, 19% were unintentional, and 4% were unknown intent. The average annual death rate for males was nearly three times higher than females (12.0 vs. 4.7 per million population). Seventy-six percent of unintentional CO deaths in dwellings involved a furnace or heater. An audible CO detector in homes is the most promising technology available to prevent unintentional deaths, and there are several promising methods currently being researched to prevent suicides via CO exposure. Public and mental health authorities and health providers should educate the public regarding prevention of CO exposures.