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 (atmospheric CO concentration and identification of the combustion appliance involved). The cases selected for epidemiological analysis are based on all episodes involving at least one case of poisoning (confirmed and probable cases).
Confirmed cases
Case 1: a subject presenting clinical signs suggestive of CO poisoning and a measured or estimated carboxyhemoglobin level (in exhaled air) of 6% or higher in a smoker (or a person whose smoking status is unknown) or 3% or higher in a nonsmoker.
Case 2: Subject presenting clinical signs suggestive of CO poisoning and a measured CO concentration in the atmosphere greater than 10 ppm.
Case 3: A subject presenting clinical signs suggestive of CO poisoning and CO exposure confirmed by technical investigation.
Case 4: measured or estimated carboxyhemoglobin levels (in exhaled air) of 6% or higher in a smoker (or a person whose smoking status is unknown) or 3% or higher in a nonsmoker, and a situation of CO exposure confirmed by technical investigation.
Case 5: measured or estimated carboxyhemoglobin levels (in exhaled air) of 10% or higher in a smoker (or a person whose smoking status is unknown) or 6% or higher in a nonsmoker.
Case 6: measured or estimated carboxyhemoglobin levels (in exhaled air) of 6% or higher in a smoker (or a person whose smoking status is unknown) or 3% or higher in a nonsmoker, and the subject was exposed under the same conditions (premises, vehicle, etc.) as a patient belonging to one of the preceding categories.
Case 7: A subject presenting clinical signs suggestive of CO poisoning and exposed under the same conditions (premises, vehicle, etc.) as a patient belonging to one of the preceding categories.
Probable cases
A person with poisoning is considered a probable case in the absence of information on clinical signs and carbon monoxide levels, but with mention of normobaric or hyperbaric treatment, or hospitalization.
Epidemiological indicators and follow-up period
Reports include all cases of CO poisoning validated by the services responsible for receiving reports of suspected or confirmed CO poisoning within the scope of the surveillance system. The weekly number of CO poisoning episodes and the number of people exposed to CO or transported to a hospital emergency department for CO poisoning can thus be monitored during the heating season.
Indeed, carbon monoxide poisoning exhibits strong seasonality. More than 75% of cases occur during the heating season. Unusual weather conditions can also lead to increases in the number of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases:
prolonged power outages due to severe weather
periods of extreme cold
periods of mild weather...
This information is compiled in a national surveillance bulletin that provides an overview of reported carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases, accompanied by prevention messages from Santé publique France or behavioral guidelines from Météo-France’s weather alerts, depending on current conditions.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Surveillance Reports
GEODES
Track the latest developments regarding carbon monoxide poisoning in France and in your region
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.
