Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a non-irritating, colourless, odourless gas normally present in the atmosphere in a concentration of less than 0.001%. Produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds, CO is found in high concentrations in most open fires, leading to severe intoxication and death in fire victims. CO intoxication can additionally occur from exposure to exhaust leaks and faulty furnaces, as well as from charcoal or wood-burning fires. In Saudi Arabia, with a relatively high temperature, heating of accommodation is rarely needed, so CO poisoning from this source appears to be very rare. We report 11 consecutive patients who suffered accidental CO poisoning from locally designed heating systems.