ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Contribution to the Assessment of Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning in Algeria: Case Study
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1
National Higher School of Mines and Metallurgy ENSMM Amar Laskri Annaba Algeria
2
Laboratory of Transports and Environment Engineering, Mentouri Brothers University Constantine 1,
Constantine Algeria
3
Earth Sciences Faculty; Badji Mokhtar University Annaba Alegria
4
National Higher School Of Kouba Algiers Algeria
Submission date: 2022-11-19
Final revision date: 2023-01-27
Acceptance date: 2023-02-02
Online publication date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2023-05-18
Corresponding author
Nettour Djamel
Mining Engineering Department, National Higher School of Mines and Metallurgy ENSMM Amar Laskri of ANNABA, SEFOS Chaiba, 23005, ANNABA, Algeria
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2023;32(3):2551-2561
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ABSTRACT
Despite the implementation of a national action plan and a deployed monitoring
of intoxications, Algeria deplores each year more than 2000 victims, who require immediate medical
care, and a hundred deaths. For this reason, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is not negligible
in confined spaces. The gases used or generated by certain work processes or household appliances
can impoverish the air. When the oxygen content in the air, is usually 21%, it decreases to less than
15%, which creates a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Under-oxygenation leads to the physical and
mental capacities’ reduction, with the victim’s unawareness of it. At 10% of oxygen in the air, the victim
faints. Below 10% the victim dies within minutes, unless immediately rescued. Through this research,
we are trying to highlight the dangers associated with faulty domestic appliances (heating, water heaters,
barbecues, etc.), mainly affecting low class population. This poisoning, preventable and treatable,
is a public health issue, which must be treated urgently, mainly during the winter period.