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Epidemiology and temporal trends of carbon monoxide poisoning mortality in the United States, 2018–2024

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Received: 23 February 2026
Published: 7 July 2026
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Authors

Dear Editor,

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide.1 As a colorless, odorless, and non-irritating gas typically generated by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, CO is especially dangerous because exposure may occur without warning. Common sources include residential heating systems, gas-powered appliances, motor vehicles, and generators, making both accidental and intentional exposures a persistent public health issue.2 The clinical manifestations of poisoning range from mild, nonspecific symptoms, up to severe neurological impairment and death, mostly depending on concentration and duration of exposure.[...]

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1. Mattiuzzi C, Lippi G. Worldwide epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisoning. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020;39:387-92.

2. Bleecker ML. Carbon monoxide intoxication. Handb Clin Neurol 2015;131:191-203.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER). Last accessed, February 11, 2026. Available from: https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-provisional.html

4. Rupert DJ, Poehlman JA, Damon SA, Williams PN. Risk and protective behaviours for residential carbon monoxide poisoning. Inj Prev 2013;19:119-23.

5. Mukhopadhyay S, Hirsch A, Etienne S, et al. Surveillance of carbon monoxide-related incidents - Implications for prevention of related illnesses and injuries, 2005-2014. Am J Emerg Med 2018;36:1837-44.

CRediT authorship contribution

The authors contributed equally to the present work.

Supporting Agencies

None

Data Availability Statement

Data are publicily available on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER (Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) Provisional Multiple Cause of Death database

How to Cite



Epidemiology and temporal trends of carbon monoxide poisoning mortality in the United States, 2018–2024. (2026). Emergency Care Journal. https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2026.14967