Key finding: Monitoring of carbon monoxide poisoning

CO poisonings linked to the use of generators or outdoor grills are on the rise compared to the previous heating season (2012–2013). Since September 1, 2013, 170 people have been poisoned while using a generator and 34 following the use of a patio heater or barbecue.

Weather conditions at the start of this week, linked to Storm Dirk, have created situations posing a risk of CO poisoning (notably power outages), though it is not yet possible to precisely quantify the impact based on the data available in the surveillance system.

The next InVS CO poisoning surveillance bulletin will provide a comprehensive assessment of this episode at the national level (http://www.invs.sante.fr/Dossiers-thematiques/Environnement-et-sante/Intoxications-au-monoxyde-de-carbone/Bulletin-de-surveillance-des-intoxications-au-CO).

Regarding the region, the summary of CO poisonings reported in 2012 in Midi-Pyrénées is attached to this weekly epidemiological report.