Power Outages and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children
Alexander J Northrop1,2,3, Vivian Do4, Nina M Flores4
1Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Pediatrics
|May 4, 2025
Summary
Power outages significantly increase the risk of pediatric carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, especially in urban areas. This preventable risk highlights the need for increased awareness during power disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas with severe health implications, particularly for children.
- Power outages can elevate CO poisoning risks due to improper use of generators.
- Children exhibit unique vulnerability to CO poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between power outages and pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for CO poisoning in New York State.
- To quantify the increased risk of CO poisoning among children during different scales of power outages.
Main Methods:
- A case-crossover study design was employed using community-level power outage data (2017-2020) and pediatric CO ED visit data from SPARCS in New York State.
- Analysis included all-scale (≥1% power loss) and large-scale (≥20% power loss) outages.
- The study examined CO poisoning risk on the day of exposure and three subsequent days (lag 0-3).
Main Results:
- A total of 917 pediatric CO poisoning cases were identified, with an incidence rate of 5.6 per 100,000 person-years.
- The highest incidence rates were observed in children aged 5 years or younger and Black children.
- Even four hours of power outage increased the odds of pediatric CO poisoning ED visits by ≥50% for all-scale outages and ≥150% for large-scale outages, with stronger associations in urban areas.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CO poisoning ED visits, while rare in NYS, are preventable.
- Power outages are a significant risk factor for CO poisoning among children.
- Public health strategies should address CO poisoning risks associated with power outages, particularly in vulnerable populations and urban settings.
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