Communities Disproportionately Affected by Carbon Monoxide Exposure After Winter Storm Uri

Abstract

Extreme cold in February 2021 precipitated prolonged power failure in Texas. In Houston, many patients presented for carbon monoxide exposure from neighborhoods with lower per capita income, higher rates of limited English proficiency, and greater median Social Vulnerability Indices than Greater Houston. Weather-related disasters disproportionately affect socially vulnerable communities.

Keywords

• carbon monoxide
• environmental justice
• health equity
• health disparities
• limited English proficiency
• social vulnerability