Key Points for Weeks 49 and 50 (December 6–19, 2010)

• The number of reported cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is higher (+85%) than that observed during the same period last year. This increase is linked to the cold snap accompanied by snowfall that swept across France beginning on November 26, 2010.

• Three mass incidents occurred in a public building, exposing 131 people to CO fumes. The first, linked to the use of radiant panel heaters in a church, involved 118 people. The second, linked to the malfunction of a hot-air generator in a municipal hall, involved 13 people. The third, linked to the use of a gas-powered radiant patio heater installed in the entrance hall of a restaurant, involved 1 person.

• Six deaths from CO poisoning occurred accidentally. According to information available at the time of the report, one death occurred in a rural guesthouse due to a malfunctioning water heater. The use of a brazier-type heater led to the deaths of two elderly people. The emergency response to a deceased person in a single-family home resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning for three firefighters.