IDPH Releases First Carbon Monoxide Surveillance Report

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health has released its first carbon monoxide surveillance report, detailing all known unintentional exposures in the state from 2019 through 2023. The report found an average of 940 emergency department visits, 126 hospitalizations, and nearly 57 deaths per year. Fire departments responded to more than 50,000 CO incidents during the period, with 95 percent occurring in homes. Exposures were most common in cold-weather months but occurred year-round and involved furnaces, gas stoves, water heaters, generators, vehicles in enclosed spaces, and gas-powered tools. Incidents were more frequent on Sundays and in the evening, and most reports lacked data on working carbon monoxide detectors. The report provides information to support prevention, awareness campaigns, and improved reporting across Illinois.