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Biomedical subjects

M A McCormick

Publications and source records attributed to M A McCormick.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Heating oil company responses to inquiries concerning carbon monoxide toxicity.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning fatalities in the United States. We conducted a survey to sample the quality of the information available to the public from Connecticut heating oil distributors regarding these risks. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional telephone survey of oil distributors in Connecticut was conducted, using a scripted set of questions regarding CO poisoning risk from oil-burning furnaces. We first asked whether such a risk existed and then elicited explanations for confirmation or denial of that risk. We then inquired as to the proper response to a home CO detector alarm. Of 282 calls made, responses were obtained from 91 distributors. Reasons for lack of response included incorrect phone listings, duplicate listings, and unwillingness of the person answering to respond to the questions asked. RESULTS: Nearly one fourth of distributors responding (23%) denied any risk of CO poisoning from oil burners, 43% of these claiming that the odor would provide protective warning before toxic exposure; another 33% stated that CO is a risk only with gas heaters. Of the 77% who confirmed the possibility of CO toxicity, half (49%) minimized the risk, also invoking a "warning odor." In case of CO alarm, only 14% of responders recommended turning off the furnace until the source is found. Five percent did not recommend having ambient CO levels checked at the time of the alarm. CONCLUSION: Heating oil companies in Connecticut do not uniformly provide correct information regarding CO risks. In our survey a majority of distributors responding offered misplaced "reassurance." As such, they are a potential area for public health intervention and an untapped resource for educating the public on these risks.

Attitude↗
PubMed1989

Severe toxicity from ingestion of a topical minoxidil preparation.

A 36-year-old man ingested several products, including a topical minoxidil solution. Within two hours of the ingestion the patient was difficult to arouse, tachycardic, and hypotensive with a systolic BP of 90 mmHg. Dopamine was required for two days to maintain his BP. Swan-Ganz catheter measurements demonstrated an increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. The estimated amount of minoxidil ingested was 1,000 mg. The patient recovered fully and was discharged nine days after the ingestion. The severity of symptoms and the prolonged duration of toxicity are disturbing because this product is becoming increasingly more popular and available.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Poison exposures and use of ipecac in children less than 1 year old.

Poison exposures in children less than 1 year old and the safety and efficacy of syrup of ipecac in children 9 to 12 months old were evaluated in a prospective eight-month study conducted at the Massachusetts Poison Control Center. Poison exposures in children less than 1 year old represented approximately 9% of the 38,080 calls received. Mobile children (in walkers, crawling, or walking) were at the greatest risk of poisoning. The majority of children (94%) were asymptomatic and none were hospitalized or died. The products involved were primarily plants (38%) and household products (30%). All 21 patients, ages 9 to 12 months, were given 10 mL syrup of ipecac under medical supervision and vomited within one hour. The mean time to vomit was 21.7 (SEM +/- 2.8) minutes. The patients vomited 3.3 (SEM +/- 0.3) times and all episodes of vomiting abated by 26.4 (SEM +/- 6.6) minutes. No significant side effects were noted. The use of the syrup of ipecac in the 9- to 12-month-old child appears to be safe and effective.

Female↗
PubMed1982

Hazards associated with diaper changing.

The incidence of exposure to poisons occurring in children during diaper changing was recorded during a three-month period. There were 138 cases, with 79% between the ages of 7 to 18 months; 42% of the poisonings occurred between 5 PM and 9 PM. Powders accounted for 47% of the exposures. Symptoms were mild and occurred most often with powders. During diaper changing, children are at increased risk of poisoning.

Age Factors↗