Given the deadly nature of carbon monoxide, it is not surprising that there is no shortage of both adverse and tragic events caused by this lethal toxin.
Naturally, there are simply too many of these sad tragedies to list, especially since the vast majority of them could likely have been prevented in the first place.
Listed below are several events which clearly demonstrate that carbon monoxide poisoning is a matter which should be taken very seriously.
In a live interview on Wednesday, 7 July 2021, as Tropical Storm Elsa approached the west coast of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis told viewers that during the last four years, there have been more deaths in Florida caused by carbon monoxide poisoning than as direct results of storms. The Governor advised all Floridians to use gas-powered portable electric generators carefully and to be sure that the exhaust vents properly and remains outside.
The February 2021 power grid failure in Texas resulted in an “epidemic” of carbon monoxide poisonings. It was even described as ‘A Disaster Within A Disaster’ . (Click for a link to the NPR article.)
An example which highlights the warning of the Florida Governor occurred as a consequences of Hurricane Laura, in which eight of the fifteen deaths associated with the hurricane were caused by carbon monoxide poising rather than by the storm itself. (Click for a link to the NPR article.)
Most of these tragic events occur on a much smaller scale and are a reminder of such painful losses. Several examples follow, and the last case included on this page is perhaps one of the most unforeseen.
New York Post: Family of 4 found dead in vacation cabin
Worcester Telegram & Gazette: 1 dead from carbon monoxide in Wales
The vast majority of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning occur in enclosed or indoor spaces. However, as published back in the January 1998 edition of the Journal of Forensic Sciences, carbon monoxide poisoning can and does occur even in ventilated spaces.
Just such a terrible tragedy occurred on 6 June 2020 during a day of family boating on Lake Eufaula in the state of Oklahoma.
Today.com: “That has become my mission”