Epidemic of Accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisonings Caused by Snow-Obstructed Exhaust Systems, ,

We report a case series of accidental carbon monoxide poisonings caused by snow-obstructed automobile exhaust systems. Accumulation of more than 24 inches of snow contributed to the poisoning of 25 patients who were subsequently treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Two illustrative cases are presented in greater detail, illustrating a life-threatening hazard associated with heavy snow accumulations. [Rao R, Touger M, Gennis P, Tyrrell J, Roche J, Gallagher EJ: Epidemic of accidental carbon monoxide poisonings caused by snow-obstructed exhaust systems. Ann Emerg Med February 1997;29:290-292.]