Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Widespread After Texas Storms

Cover Photo: WFAA

At least a thousand ER cases and at least 11 deaths have been reported in Texas as the sweeping storms that froze the state began to cool down. This crisis adds yet another problem for the struggling state to deal with as they begin repairing the damages of the snow. Unlike many other states where carbon monoxide detectors are mandated, Texas has no regulation for them. As a result, when citizens of Texas brought in their charcoal grills inside or stayed in their cars to stay warm, they had no idea they were actively poisoning themselves. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can kill within hours, and missing detectors for such a gas would naturally be a serious cause of alarm, but lawmakers have repeatedly shot down attempts to regulate carbon monoxide detectors. Data from ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and NBC news have suggested that this problem also disproportionately affects poor minorities: Black, Hispanic, and Asian Texans making up a majority of those hospitalized. Although the cases of poisoning are likely to fizzle out with the storm, whether the health crisis will lead to change in regulation is to be seen

https://www.texastribune.org/2021/04/29/texas-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/11-deaths-1-400-ed-visits-for-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-reported-during-texas-winter-power-outage.html