Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the United Arab Emirates

Kaabi, Juma M. Al; Wheatley, Andrew D.; Barss, Peter; Shamsi, Mariam Al; Lababidi, Anis; Mushtaq, Ahmed

doi:10.1179/oeh.2011.17.3.202

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Deaths from CO intoxication in Kuwait occurred most often (26 cases~44%) during the winter (December-February). This result correlates with other reports, with deaths related to CO poisoning being more common in cold weather [11,13,23,28]. This phenomenon may be explained using various methods used to maintain a warm indoor environment, including gas heating appliances, coal heaters and stoves and gasoline-powered electric generators, all of which produce CO due to incomplete combustion [29].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…The mortality rate among males (68%) was more than double that among females (32%). A similar male predominance has been reported in other published studies in the Middle East [11,13,23]. Such sex-based differences cannot be explained with available data.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…In the Gulf Cooperation Council region, conditions cold enough to prompt the use of heating systems occur infrequently and only during the winter months. A study conducted in the United Arab Emirates revealed that burning charcoal in poorly ventilated rooms during the winter months was the primary source of CO poisoning [11]. Similarly, Alberreet et al (2019) reported that CO poisoning events in the Middle East and north Africa occurred in the winter, in which gas heaters were the most frequent source [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Kuwait: A Five-Year, Retrospective, Epidemiological Study

Al-Matrouk¹,

Al-Hemoud

Al-Hasan³

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a major public health concern and a common cause of death worldwide. However, to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted on CO poisoning exposure and mortality in Kuwait. Objectives: Using epidemiological and forensic data analysis, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of CO poisoning-associated deaths in Kuwait over five years (2014–2018), using official police data. Methods: The Forensic Toxicology Laboratory analyzed 203 blood specimens of deceased individuals for potential CO poisoning during the study period. We obtained demographic information of the deceased and other information regarding the source of the CO, the type of death and the seasonal and geographical distribution of fatalities. The percentage of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb%) was assessed using a CO-oximeter. Results: CO poisoning was confirmed in ~29% (59 cases) of the analyzed specimens, of which CO poisoning was accidental in the majority of cases (~95%) and homicidal in the remaining of cases (~5%), with no reported suicides. The five-year cumulative mean of COHb% in the blood specimens of the 59 confirmed cases was ~63%. Most of the deceased were males (~68%). The mean age of male and female victims per year were similar (~23–38 years). Fatalities were more common (~44%) during the winter (December–February). Uncontrolled home fires and coal stoves contributed to the primary sources of CO poisoning at 61% and 22%, respectively. Recommendations: Based on our findings, we propose that the local government should mandate the installation of smoke alarms and CO detectors in residential settings and endorse health education, informing the local population about the causes of fire and potential for CO poisoning, with an emphasis on prevention. Practical measures that can be applied include proper installation and regular maintenance of home-heating appliances and appropriate ventilation. The present study could greatly benefit the government in directing efforts toward decreasing CO poisoning incidents in Kuwait in the future.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Kuwait: A Five-Year, Retrospective, Epidemiological Study

Al-Matrouk¹,

Al-Hemoud

Al-Hasan³

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…The reason was also the use of charcoal as a source of warmth in closed areas with disregard for safety precautions. [12] Comes second in seriousness, are gas geysers, which are LPG-fueled water heaters and its combustion produces significant amount hazardous gases, important of which is carbon monoxide. Those heaters should be placed outside the bathroom and shouldn't be turned on with the doors closed.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Awareness and Attitude of the Hazards of Carbon Monoxide (Co) Poisoning and the Safety Precautions Applied to That Regard, Among Saudis for the Year 2013-2014.

Hajjar¹,

Al-Lafi²,

Al-Shunifi³

et al. 2016

IJAR

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Background:Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous, odorless, colorless and non-irritating gas. It is formed by incomplete combustion of carbon or carbonaceous material. Because burning under conditions with insufficient oxygen will prevent complete oxidation to carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide gas will be formed. When inhaled, it will prevent absorption of oxygen by combining with hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which result in secondary tissue hypoxia and cellular damage, hence the name "silent killer". Objectives:The three main objectives of the study are; (a) Measuring public exposure to CO producing sources among Saudis using social networking, in winter season for the year 2013-2014, (b) Assessing their awareness and knowledge towards the hazards of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning produced by different means of heating, and (c) Determine the safety precautions applied to that regard. Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted online targeting, sample size of 634 Saudis from age of (16-50 years) who are using social networks, regarding: a) The public exposure to different CO producing sources, b) The public knowledge regarding symptoms, sources and risks, c) The safety precautions followed to prevent unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning Result:Based on our research, more than half of our sample size (53.94 %) were exposed to CO from different sources with difficulty in breathing being the most known symptom chosen by 75.10% of our sample, followed by headache and dizziness being the second with (57.10%) whilst only 11.70% chose seizures, which is the least symptom, selected. CO poisoning resulted in suffocation and death with 89.11% and 59.62% respectively being the most known risks. Burning coal or firewood was the highest selected source of CO with percentage of 88.60% however, only 4.70% thought refrigerators as a

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Air Pollution and Health Outcomes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Knowledge and Research Gaps and Need

Khader¹

2021

Handbook of Healthcare in the Arab World

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the United Arab Emirates

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Kuwait: A Five-Year, Retrospective, Epidemiological Study

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Kuwait: A Five-Year, Retrospective, Epidemiological Study

Public Awareness and Attitude of the Hazards of Carbon Monoxide (Co) Poisoning and the Safety Precautions Applied to That Regard, Among Saudis for the Year 2013-2014.

Air Pollution and Health Outcomes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Knowledge and Research Gaps and Need

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