Unintentional deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning--Michigan, 1987-1989

Abstract

Deaths from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the United States result primarily from exposure to motor-vehicle exhaust and occur more often during the cold months of the year and in northern and midwestern states (1-3). In Michigan, from 1987 through 1989, 103 deaths were related to unintentional CO poisoning. To identify approaches for prevention of unintentional CO poisoning in Michigan, the Michigan Council on Injury Control (MCIC) studied death records and medical examiner (ME) records to determine the manner of deaths related to unintentional CO poisoning in that state from 1987 through 1989. This report summarizes findings of the investigation.