Unintentional deaths from carbon monoxide in motor vehicle exhaust: West Virginia

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Am. J. Public Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.79.3.328· OSTI ID:6211276

Baron, R C; Backer, R C; Sopher, I M

We investigated the circumstances of unintended carbon monoxide deaths from motor vehicle exhaust. Of 64 episodes involving 82 deaths investigated by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 1978-84, 50 occurred outdoors in older vehicles with defective exhaust systems and 14 occurred in enclosed or semi-enclosed home garages. Blood alcohol was detected in 50 (68 per cent) of 74 victims tested; 34 had blood alcohol concentrations greater than or equal to 0.10 g/dl. We suggest increasing public awareness of the hazards of motor vehicle exhaust and enforcing vehicle inspection regulations.

• Research Organization: West Virginia Department of Health, Charleston (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6211276
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Vol. 79:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AUTOMOBILES
EXHAUST GASES
CARBON DIOXIDE
TOXICITY
DEATH
ETHANOL
MAN
WEST VIRGINIA
ALCOHOLS
ANIMALS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
FEDERAL REGION III
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HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PRIMATES
USA
VEHICLES
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology