Epidemiologic Study of Mortality Rate from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Recorded in Mazandaran Department of Forensic Medicine, 2009-2011

Background and Carbon monoxide (Co) is an odorless، colorless and poisonous gas that is the most abundant pollutant in the lower atmosphere. Co poisoning is one of the most common causes of death in Iran. This study investigated the prevalence of Co poisoning in Mazandaran province during 2009- 2011. In this cross-sectional study، the data was obtained from Mazandaran Department of Forensic Medicine. The information regarding autopsy reports، records of deceased persons، age، sex، occupation، and the cause of poisoning were collected. SPSS software and x ² were applied to analyze the data. A total of 2،446 deaths was reported during 2009- 2011. Of these cases، 237 were poisoned of whom 27 (11. 4%) died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Toxicity was more prevalent among the males (1. 7 times more than female victims). The highest mortality rate was seen in those aged 21-30 years and the self-employed and housewives were the main victims. Most of the deaths happened in cold months at home and in the bathroom with inappropriate ventilation. In all cases، poisoning was accidental. Death due to Co poisoning (silent killer) happens gradually and it is impossible to get rid of it despite seeing the shadow of death. Hence، it is necessary to carry on more trainings and warnings through media on the dangers of CO poisoning.