Association between occurrence of acute non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning and meteorological factors in Liuzhou City

Objective To explore the association between occurrence of acute non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning and meteorological factors in Liuzhou City, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of such poisoning.

Methods Clinical data of acute non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning patients admitted to 4 hospitals designated by the municipal health and family planning commission in Liuzhou, Guangxi during January 2015 to December 2017 were collected. Meanwhile, relevant data of meteorological factors in the same period were collected. The association was evaluated with multiple stepwise regression analysis.

Results A total of 4 181 cases were treated in the past 3 years; 3 410 cases (81.6%)occurred during December to March. The peak time was January (309 of annual average cases, 130 per million population)while the valley time was May to October (under 20 cases per month). Totally 2 278 cases (54.48%)occurred during 21:00 pm to 3:00 am. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the number of poisoning cases were negatively associated with daily average air temperature, daily average wind speed and 24 h atmospheric pressure difference (r=-0.409, -0.269, -0.162, P < 0.01), while positively associated with daily atmospheric pressure, 24 h temperature difference and relative humidity (r=0.353, 0.240, 0.085, P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Multiple linear regression model showed that for every 1% increase in daily average air temperature or daily wind speed, the number of poisoning cases would decrease by 0.432% and 0.128%, respectively; for every 1% increase in 24 temperature difference or relative humidity, the number would increase by 0.292% and 0.054%, respectively (R²=0.2853, F=89.34, P < 0.05).

Conclusions The occurrence of acute non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning was related to meteorological factors. The government should strengthen the propaganda and education of prevention and control of acute non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning, strengthen early warning in combination with the change of meteorological factors, and do a good job in the meteorological service of public events.