Key Developments as of April 2, 2012

• According to information available to date, 992 cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported to the surveillance system since September 1, 2011, including 23 cases between March 19 and April 1, 2012. Since September 1, 2011, 3,228 people have been exposed to CO fumes, 541 of whom were hospitalized.

• The 2011–2012 heating season saw a 16% decrease in reports compared to the previous heating season. With the exception of the exceptional cold snap observed in early February, the mild temperatures for the season partly explain this trend.

• The Île-de-France region remains the region most affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the difference between the number of reports in the Île-de-France region and in Nord-Pas-de-Calais is less pronounced than that observed during the previous heating season. This is partly due to unusual weather conditions in Nord-Pas-de-Calais (mild spells, exceptionally cold weather, and snowfall).

• The Directorate General for Health (DGS) and the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES) are reminding the public of the proper usage guidelines for certain appliances.