[Winter epidemic of carbon monoxide poisoning in Badia]

To find the incidence, morbidity and possible causes of the acute carbon monoxide poisonings (ACMP) which occurred in Badia between january 1992 and june 1993.

A longitudinal, retrospective study.

Every Badia resident discharged from the Hospital Consortium of Parc Taulí, Sabadell with a diagnosis of ACMP and/or from Barcelona's Red Cross Hospital (RCH) after hyperbaric treatment was considered.

Cases were identified using the hospital discharge records from Parc Taulí and the RCH. A systematic review of the primary care clinical records was undertaken. The causes of the poisoning were investigated by a technical committee and through the gas company carrying out inspections of dwellings in 1993. The incidence of ACMP was 76.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1992 and 109.4 per 100,000 in the first half of 1993. 94% of the 34 cases occurred in December, January, February and March. 50% of those affected were under 17. The number of cases per household varied between 2 and 5 people. The most common underlying cause was the existence of defects in the conduits taking fumes away from gas heaters. The gas review detected defects in installation in 54% of dwellings.

ACMP is a common and serious problem in our environment. The underlying causes and the high number of dwellings at risk have suggested a need for information campaigns in the community.