CO poisonings hit boating activities

The statistics are startling. Since 1984 there have been 571 carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings reported on or near boats in the U.S., according to an interagency report. However, the investigators underline reported – they believe that there are many, many more that have gone unreported or listed as drowning. The engine is the most common source of CO in these poisonings, but cook tops and other fuel-burning products also pose a risk if not ventilated properly.
The report, released October 2004, was written by representatives of the National Park Service (NPS), the US Department of Interior, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard. It is a collection of data breaking down poisonings by year, state, and type of boat. The authors state: “This should not be viewed as a complete list of past poisonings and will continue to be updated with new information.”

The report gives no information as to why the data shows such a sharp rise in poisonings since about 1990. The first year of data, 1984, indicates that there were about four victims. There are no reported incidents in 1988 or 1989, but in 1990 there are over 20. The peak came in 2000 when there were over 70 reports.

Of the 571 victims, 113 or about 20% of the poisonings were fatal. About 53% of the incidents occurred inside the boat. Over 42% of the accidents were listed as occurring inside or outside of houseboats. And a relatively high amount, over 15%, had unknowns including unknown boat type, unknown location of the body, and “unclassified” data. A total of 19 incidents were reported in Texas.

It is clear from the data that not enough is known about CO and the dangers it poses to boaters. Called “the silent killer,” CO is tasteless, odorless, and invisible. Most people who die or are injured by the poisoning do not even know it is happening. Apparently it has only been since 2000 that the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies are becoming aware of how widespread the problem is within the boating community.

Most of these injuries are occurring due to faulty products and unsafe use of products that consumers do not even realize are unsafe. Leaky exhaust systems play the largest part while inside the boat. Outside, it tends to be swimming under platforms dangerously mounted near the exhaust.

If you have been injured by CO poisoning on a houseboat or other type of watercraft, you may be entitled to compensation from several different companies. Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case review. We will advise you of your rights – and help you protect them. Contact us right now by calling directly, or by clicking link below to submit your case.
 

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