Mining Publication: Technology News 488 - Migration of Blasting Fumes into a Western Pennsylvania Home
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Original creation date: May 2001
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness and death by asphyxiation. although the toxicity of CO is understood, CO exposure can occur from unrecognized sources. On April 2, 2000, a couple and their newborn infant were poisoned by CO migrating through the ground from blasting at a nearby coal strip mine into their home near Kittanning, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. They were treated at the hospital and diagnosed with CO poisoning. The infant had a carboxyhemoglobin level of 31%, the father 28%, and the mother 17%. Carboxyhemoglobin is the compound formed in the blood when CO is breathed. Persons not exposed to CO have carboxyhemoglobin levels of release from the hospital, the family installed a CO detector in the basement of their home with the help of the local fire department.
Authors: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Technology News - May 2001
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20001031
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Technology News 488, May 2001; :1-4
See Also
- Dangers of Toxic Fumes from Blasting
- Factors Affecting ANFO Fumes Production
- Factors Affecting Fumes Production of an Emulsion and ANFO/Emulsion Blends
- Field Studies of CO Migration from Blasting
- Monitoring and Removal of CO in Blasting Operations
- NIOSH Hazard ID 3 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death After the Use of Explosives in a Sewer Construction Project
- Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Production from the Pyrolysis of Conveyor Belting and Brattice Cloth
- A Technique for Measuring Toxic Gases Produced by Blasting Agents
- Toxic Fume Comparison of a Few Explosives Used in Trench Blasting
- Work Principle for Predicting Explosive Toxic Fumes
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program