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Carbon monoxide fatalities in medicolegal autopsies
S Y Abu-al Ragheb1, A H Battah
1Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract:
All post-mortem medicolegal reports issued by Jordan University Hospital (JUH) during the period 1978-96 were reviewed. Carbon monoxide (CO) as a silent killer was responsible for 31.5% (n = 110) of poisoning fatalities. These were due to unintentional exposure to CO sources in confined spaces (bedrooms (24.6%), worker lodgings (23.6%) and bathrooms (16.4%), and without the victims being aware of CO hazards. Sixty-five per cent of CO fatalities occurred during December to February and 30% of the cases involved the age group 20-29 years, followed by the age group 30-39 years (20%). Non-Jordanians constituted 50% of CO fatalities and Egyptian workers accounted for 78%. Being unaccustomed to cold climates, and on low incomes, they had been using simple and unsafe heating devices. Many of these deaths could have been prevented. Safety educational campaigns to increase awareness of the general population of CO sources, their hazards and how to avoid them should be held continuously during the cold months of the year. All health and safety sectors are advised to be involved.
Insights
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant cause of accidental death in Jordan, particularly during winter months. Awareness campaigns are crucial to prevent these preventable fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas responsible for numerous accidental poisonings.
- Understanding the epidemiology of CO fatalities is essential for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and characteristics of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning fatalities in Jordan.
- To identify high-risk groups and contributing factors for CO-related deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medicolegal post-mortem reports from Jordan University Hospital (JUH) between 1978 and 1996.
- Data extraction and analysis of demographics, circumstances of death, and locations associated with CO fatalities.
Main Results:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) accounted for 31.5% of all poisoning fatalities, with 110 cases identified.
- Unintentional CO exposure in confined spaces like bedrooms and worker lodgings was the primary cause.
- Fatalities peaked in winter (December-February), disproportionately affecting young adults (20-39 years) and non-Jordanians, particularly Egyptian workers using unsafe heating devices.
Conclusions:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning represents a major public health concern in Jordan, linked to unsafe heating practices.
- Targeted safety education campaigns during colder months are recommended to raise awareness and prevent CO-related deaths.
- Interdisciplinary involvement of health and safety sectors is vital for effective prevention strategies.