Key Developments as of December 12, 2011

• According to information available to date, 299 cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported to the surveillance system since September 1, 2011, including 54 cases between November 28 and December 11. Since September 1, 2011, 925 people have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes, 141 of whom were hospitalized.

• In the Île-de-France region, 14 reports were submitted between November 28 and December 11. The poisonings were accidental domestic incidents linked to boilers, except in Seine-Saint-Denis, where the three poisonings were linked to the use of a generator or coal stoves.

• According to information in the daily civil protection bulletin, a mass carbon monoxide poisoning incident occurred during a concert held in a church in Ardèche attended by about fifty people.

• The Directorate General for Health and the Directorate General for Civil Security issued a circular regarding the 2011–2012 prevention and information campaign on the risks of CO poisoning, including specific prevention measures for poisoning in places of worship.

• In the event of an orange or red alert for extreme cold or snow and ice, Météo-France issues behavioral guidelines regarding the risk of CO poisoning in its alert maps.