Acute carbon monoxide poisoning: A persistent occupational risk

Purpose of the study. The persistence and seriousness of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have justified their inclusion within the French National Environment and Health Action Plan 2004 2008. Occupational etiologies are not rare and poisoning consequences can be serious. The objective of this study is to identify the occupations at risk. Method. The studied population was selected from victims treated at the hyperbaric medical centre of Lyon, from 1st January 1995 to 21st April 2006. Results. During this period, 82 cases of occupational origin were recorded (98 victims). Ninety-two per cent of these were men; 63% of the victims had used a heat engine device. Out of these, 69% worked underground and/or in an enclosed environment. The pathology is serious with 86% of dizziness with initial loss of consciousness and one death. Conclusion. The seriousness of occupational poisonings, the stereotyped circumstances of occurrence and the possibility of recurrence justify the prevention actions focused on the information of workers and employers, with a central role played by the occupational health physician. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.