Project Highlight: Research-Evaluation-Guidance
Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Among Immigrants
Client: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Asthma and Respiratory Health Branch (CDC)
An ice storm struck Charlotte, NC, in 2002, resulting in an extended power outage. A total of 124 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning occurred. Many of these occurred in the Hispanic community, where a number of people, particularly newer immigrants, used charcoal or propane devices inside their homes for heat and cooking.
ORISE conducted focus groups to test Public Service Announcements on the dangers of carbon monoxide. The study collected related information on the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the subject. All participants were Spanish-speaking, recent immigrants to the United States with less than 12 years of formal education.