Carbon monoxide

Colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, carbon monoxide (CO) is an imperceptible toxic gas. It is the cause of many cases of poisoning during the winter months.

Our missions

  • Coordinate the surveillance system

  • Monitoring epidemiological trends in carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Identify risk factors and adapt preventive measures

  • Preventing the risk of poisoning among the general public

In brief

Videos, infographics, key statistics, expert interviews… Find the latest news and key information on carbon monoxide here

presse

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to any of us and have serious consequences.

Learn more

Health Issues

In France, nearly 4,000 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are reported each year. For Santé publique France, the priorities are to monitor the occurrence of these incidents, describe how they happen, issue alerts when necessary, and inform the general public to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring.

What is carbon monoxide, and how is it formed?

Learn more

How are people exposed to carbon monoxide?

Learn more

What We Do

For decades, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been a public health concern. To strengthen efforts to combat such poisoning, a surveillance system for carbon monoxide poisoning in metropolitan France has been established by Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Directorate General...

Learn more

Data

Monitoring carbon monoxide poisoning helps track trends in this public health issue.

Definitions of carbon monoxide poisoning

The epidemiological definition of a case of CO poisoning is based on a combination of medical criteria (clinical and biological signs) and environmental criteria...

Learn more

Tools

Here you will find the resources (videos, TV commercials, radio spots) and prevention materials made available to healthcare professionals and the general public.

affiche

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) [Accessible Poster]

This accessible poster (from the "Understanding" series) reminds readers that carbon monoxide is a gas that is odorless, invisible, and can be deadly. It lists the precautions to take to prevent...

Download Visualize Order

brochure

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide: What You Need to Know

A simple, illustrated brochure from the "Understanding" series, designed to make information accessible to everyone. It explains what carbon monoxide is and why it is dangerous to breathe; where...

Download Visualize Order

Publications

Here you will find the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France.

2 publications

In relation to

Extreme cold

thematic dossier

Cold weather increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and can lead to hospitalizations and death. This impact is observed within 3 to 21 days of exposure to the cold.

Learn more