Carbon monoxide toxicity in Dammam, KSA: Retrospective study

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity is one of the common types of poisoning, and the aim of this study is to evaluate CO poisoning during 2004–2013. The study was based on autopsy samples sent to the forensic chemistry laboratory in Dammam during the study period. The findings showed that 68 out of 894 autopsy cases were diagnosed as acute CO toxicity; 91% of the cases were classified as accidental; 83% of cases were male while only 11% were female. The highest rate was in the winter months (50%), and highest age group was between 40 and 50 years, followed by 31–40. The average carbon monoxide percentage was 49%. Carbon monoxide toxicity in Dammam is not a very common occurrence; however, this study may help control and prevent carbon monoxide toxicity for protection of the society.

Keywords

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Dammam
• KSA