title: Carbon monoxide poisoning in the United Arab Emirates.
abstract: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is rare in the Arabian Peninsula and occurs almost exclusively during the winter months. Knowledge and perception of the hazards of carbon monoxide is limited. Migrant workers from warm climates appear particularly at risk. We investigated 46 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning presenting at emergency departments from 2007-2009 of the two main hospitals in Al Ain city, United Arab Emirates. Interviews, hospital records, and administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Among the 46 cases investigated, 24 (52%) were males. Foreign nationals compromised 80% of the cases and the incidence was 3.1 cases per 100,000 residents per year. Burning charcoal in poorly ventilated residences was the predominant source of the carbon monoxide poisoning. Almost all cases (98%) were admitted during the winter months, most in the early morning hours. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) was significantly increased in cases with loss of consciousness and depressed consciousness. There were no reported fatalities.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE. j.kaabi@uaeu.ac.ae
authors: Juma M
authors: JM
authors: Al Kaabi
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Wheatley
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Barss
authors: Mariam
authors: M
authors: Al Shamsi
authors: Anis
authors: A
authors: Lababidi
authors: Ahmed
authors: A
authors: Mushtaq
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D002606:Charcoal / Q000633:toxicity*; D004522:Educational Status; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012907:Smoking; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D002606:Charcoal; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin