A recent study published in Pediatrics on May 5, 2025, reveals a significant increase in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning among children during power outages. Researchers analyzed data from 2017 to 2020, identifying 917 pediatric CO poisoning cases, with children under five and Black children experiencing the highest incidence rates.
The study found that power outages, especially those affecting 20% or more of a community, led to a more than 150% increase in CO-related emergency department visits among children. Even smaller outages (affecting ≥1% of a community) were associated with a ≥50% increase in such visits.
Improper use of generators and alternative heating sources during outages is a primary cause of CO exposure. The researchers emphasize the importance of public awareness and preventive measures, such as installing CO detectors and ensuring proper ventilation when using fuel-burning devices.
These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children, during power outages.