The 2015-2016 heating season was marked by an increase in the number of people exposed to CO poisoning, but by a drop in deaths.
As the cold is making a comeback and many of us have turned our radiators back on, it is useful to remind people of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. The InVS (National Institute for Sanitary Watch) update on the number of reports during the last heating season 2015-2016.
More cases, fewer deaths
Since September 1, 2015, 871 reports have been sent to the surveillance system, involving 3,608 people; 2,134 were treated by a hospital emergency service and 403 referred to a hospital service. Compared to the previous heating period, the number of reports declared is comparable (871 versus 896).
This year was marked by a slight increase in the number of people exposed (3,608 versus 3,139) and transported (2,134 versus 2,028). On the other hand, the number of deaths has decreased considerably (12 versus 29).
Distribution of CO poisoning during the 2015-2016 heating period –InVS
1000 poisonings in a public place
About forty episodes of carbon dioxide poisoning are linked to the inappropriate use (ie in a closed environment) of a generator, ie 91 people. As for barbecues or braziers, they were responsible for around fifty episodes involving 228 people.
Among the intoxication episodes, 42 took place in an establishment receiving the public (ERP), involving 1,059 people and 1 death. The establishments concerned were schools (7), restaurants (7), shops (5), hotels / lodges (5), brasseries / bars (2), sports venues (2), a nursery, a bank, a leisure center, a retirement home, a specialized home, a day hospital, a community hall, a karting, a town hall, a multimedia center and a socio-cultural center.
Three collective poisonings in a place of worship involved 20 people, 3 of whom were transported to an emergency department. Among them, two were related to a radiant panel.
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