Safety Monday

Did you know injury is the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44 in the United States? And that among people of all ages, injury (including intentional injury) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S? In fact, roughly 475 Americans die each day from injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and fires. 

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to reduce their likelihood of experiencing a serious injury. With winter approaching, now is a good time to consider ways to keep safe in the home.  In addition to smoke alarms, every home should have at least one battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

“Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death,” according to Eileen McDonald, MS, associate scientist with the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Injury Research and Policy. “Appliances that burn fuel, particularly ones that provide heat, are a main source of CO, so the risk of CO poisoning is heightened during the colder months. In addition to placing detectors near every sleeping area, it’s important to have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.”

More than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning each year, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. From 2008 through 2009, the Baltimore City Fire Department responded to more than 3,600 CO poisoning calls. In fact, the burden of CO poisoning in Baltimore was an impetus behind a recent City Council ordinance that went into effect in March requiring carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in all City residential dwellings, hotels and buildings used for living or sleeping.

To increase compliance with the ordinance and educate Baltimore community members on CO prevention, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy recently partnered with the local FOX affiliate, WBFF Fox 45, to develop a PSA on CO prevention. Slated to air from December to March, the PSA directs viewers to call the CARES Safety Center or visit their local neighborhood event to receive more safety information.