Carbon monoxide poisoning in the Republic of Ireland

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a common preventable cause of morbidity and mortality from poisoning worldwide. Common environmental sources include motor vehicle exhaust, faulty kerosene or gas heaters used in unventilated rooms, and fireplaces with blocked flues. This paper describes the epidemiology of CO poisoning in Ireland, using Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) data, Mortality data and data from the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC). CO poisoning is responsible for over 40 deaths per year in Ireland. Many occur at home as a result of house-fires. Incomplete combustion of domestic fuels is responsible for many cases of non-fatal unintentional CO poisoning. In comparison, most intentional poisonings are caused by motor vehicle exhaust, representing approximately 6.4% of successful suicides. The advent of catalytic converters in cars may lead to a decline in the effectiveness of this method of suicide. This study illustrates the hidden impact of CO poisoning. Most deaths occur at home and thus do not come to the attention of the health services. Those admitted to hospital represent the milder end of the spectrum and generally recover after a short stay. It is important that the public be aware of the risks of CO poisoning and that Public Health action be taken.