Key Developments as of November 28, 2011

• According to information available to date, 223 cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported to the surveillance system since September 1, 2011, including 52 cases between November 14 and 27. Since September 1, 2011, 677 people have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes, 85 of whom were hospitalized.

• Mild weather conditions have led to a resurgence of accidental domestic carbon monoxide poisonings linked to charcoal-burning appliances in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.

• Since September 1, 2011, six deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning have been reported to the surveillance system. All occurred as a result of improper use of combustion appliances or a malfunction in a heating system (boiler or flue gas exhaust ducts).

• Two mass CO poisoning incidents occurred in a church, likely linked to a gas-fired radiant heater. One of these incidents required medical treatment for about 30 of the 120 people present.

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

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