Collated data from NHTSA keyword search 2013-2019 that identify carbon monoxide incidents/complaints with various automobile makes and suspected defects.

There have been 20 deaths and 45 non-fatal incidents related to carbon monoxide and a vehicle with keyless ignitions left running in a garage. Source: KidsAndCars.org

Residential Dwelling Requirements (State_CO_Regulations_Summation_July_2016)

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only 13 states require installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels.

Make sure your carbon monoxide engineering expert complies “below taken from Early v. Toyota Motor Corp., 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 36011 (E.D. Ky., May 16, 2007).

First, a court must determine whether the expert is qualified to offer opinions in a particular subject area. Once the court determines that an expert is qualified to offer opinions in a particular subject area, it must consider whether the expert’s opinion is reliable. In Daubert, ^HN2the Supreme Court suggested that the issue of reliability turns on whether an expert’s reasoning or methodology is scientifically valid [**6]  or whether that reasoning or methodology can be properly applied to the facts in issue. In considering an expert’s reliability, trial court’s should consider the following:

1. Whether the theory or technique has been tested;
2. Whether the theory or technique has been subjected to peer review;
3. The known or potential rate of error and whether there are standards controlling the technique’s operation; an
4. Whether the theory or technique has gained general acceptance in the relevant scientific community.

Daubert, 509 U.S. 593-594. ² In making reliability determinations, the court’s inquiry must be specific to the particular issues in each case. Kumho Tire Company, 526 U.S. at 156.  [*637]  In other words, a trial court must decide whether an expert has sufficient specialized knowledge to assist the jury in deciding the issues in the case. Accordingly, an expert’s conclusions regarding causation must have a basis in established fact and cannot be premised on subjective beliefs or mere suppositions. McLean v 988011 Ontario, Ltd., 224 F.3d 797, 800-801 (6th Cir. 2000).

Carbon Monoxide poisoning and deaths occurs due to portable generator exhaust gas emissions where:

• Portable generators are used in or close to indoor occupied spaces
• Portable generators have a design defect
• Flawed instructions, compliance and training have been provided
• A carbon monoxide interlock system is not present

Technology advancements in carbon monoxide sensor technology could be used to totally prevent carbon mon

oxide poisoning by triggering interlock and shut-off circuitry in most situations. Most often than not, this could be achieved using economically and practically implemented solutions.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning often occurs in cases of vehicular and transportation scenarios that include:

• Vehicle cabin carbon monoxide pollution via cabin leaks – manufacturer design defects
• Keyless fob design defects – unintentional engine ON resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning
• Driver fatigue and unconsciousness due to CO inhalation
• Intentional and unintentional exhaust gas deaths
• Occupational carbon monoxide exposure (transport)

“Gathering Engineering Evidence for Carbon Monoxide Toxicity Cases”, Medicine, Science and the Law,  British Academy for Forensic Sciences, 2015 (PDF)

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More often than not, CO causation can be visually identified due to obvious tell tale signs such as cracked flue vents or physical soot formation and deposits. Investigation may be required to identify misdirected exhaust or natural air diffusion that transports contaminants into the occupant space.

Compliance and Verification?

Problematic carbon monoxide sources include portable generators, boilers, furnaces and other combustible burning appliances. Compliance with  CO product warning/emissions labeling and  state EPA exhaust certification should be verified. Compliance and verification of the following should also be inspected:

• Design and installation considerations.
• Sensor technology and systems.
• Compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission product labeling requirements. 16 CFR Part 1407 “Portable Generators Labeling Requirements”
• Compliance with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill – SB 183) verified
• Compliance with NFPA 720 – Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide verified

Engineering forensic analysis of a carbon monoxide case comprises of well designed CO measurements and/or modeling. 

This becomes pivotal in non-fatal and/or chronic CO exposure cases where victims suffer neurological damage. Quantifying CO exposure such as “how much CO?”, “what concentration?” and “length of exposure?” are crucial elements in “closing the loop” with physiological evidence.

Was the source CO concentration quantified?

Were CO air free measurement undertaken (?) in order to determine if suspect appliance(s) comply with ANSI carbon monoxide emission limits?

What were the resultant ambient CO concentration levels? (and for what period of time?)

Obtaining ambient field measurements of CO concentrations is more complex than analyzing air free exhaust gas due to the non restrictive air dynamics one finds in a environment such as a home. Walking with a CO meter in hand is unacceptable. The act of walking with the monitor creates microplumes that distorts CO data readings that would be a point of contention.

Event reconstruction forensics of ambient CO concentration is undertaken using EPA accredited software and modeling methods to estimate ambient measurements and CO exposure magnitudes:

1. Modeling event reconstruction of CO concentrations – base set of reconstruction analysis with key variables and assumptions.
2. Dynamic and equilibrium modeling – acute or chronic exposure?
3. Mass-balance and proximity effect modeling – idealistic diffusion modeling together with more realistic personal cloud and plume physical modeling.
4. CO concentration vs. time profile reconstruction – typical work product output of modeling analysis.

Why didn’t the CO detector alarm?

CO laboratory measurements can verify correct operation and compliance with UL2034 “Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms”. If it is deemed that CO detector alarm and sensor verification of compliance is required, then CO detectors should be tested in a controlled laboratory environment.

Technology advancements in carbon monoxide sensor technology could be used to totally prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by triggering interlock and shut-off circuitry in most situations. Most often than not, this could be achieved using economically and practically implemented solutions.