Will O. Humble, MPH, Epidemiology & Disease Control, Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 N. 18 Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602.364.3855, whumble@hs.state.az.us

Until recently, carbon monoxide poisonings were thought to occur in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. However, open-air cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are being reported that include exposures from exhaust from various kinds of watercraft such as houseboats, cabin cruisers, and ski boats. Large numbers of boaters use the channel of water beneath the London Bridge for recreation on weekends during the summer. The density of watercraft and the large numbers of people using the channel creates the opportunity for exposure to excessive carbon monoxide emissions. ADHS examined the connections of carbon monoxide in the exhaled air of volunteers recreating in the Rotary Beach area near the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City during the Memorial Day Holiday in 2003. Exhaled carbon monoxide was used as a measure of the amount of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the participant’s blood. Analysis results suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning occurred among participants during the investigation. The cumulative carbon monoxide exposure increased as the day progressed. The COHb levels observed late in the day posed a public health hazard. The percent (%) COHb among non-smoking participants increased from an average of 1% between 10 am and 2 pm to 11% between 6 pm and 8 pm. The combination of alcohol consumption and carbon monoxide exposure likely creates a greater health hazard. In addition, the recreational activities conducted during the investigation were predominately in or near water, creating a drowning hazard for those with impaired judgment or more sever symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and alcohol consumption.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify environmental conditions that may contribute to outdoor CO hazards. Identify public health implications of excessive CO exposures in areas under heavy recreational water use. Identify dose response characteristics for CO exposure.

Keywords: Air Pollutants, Environmental Exposures

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.