Cascading effects of disaster-related CO exposures during pregnancy

Abstract

Disaster-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can occur in the event of extended power loss and subsequent use of makeshift heating and cooking elements in poorly ventilated spaces. The maternal-fetal dyad represents populations highly vulnerable to disasters and the subsequent compounding effects of CO poisoning. This study synthesizes evidence related to disaster-associated global CO exposures, reports of CO exposures in pregnancy, and associated individual outcomes in the maternal-fetal dyad. Implications related to UNDRR include Sendai Priorities I and IV: understanding associated risks and disaster risk reduction strategies to reduce the incidence of CO poisoning in vulnerable populations.

Keywords

• Disaster risk reduction
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Pregnancy
• Maternal-fetal dyad