More descriptive sub-coding for the source or place of carbon monoxide poisoning would be required for the revision of ICD-11.

摘要

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning death in Japan. CO is an odorless and colorless gas, generated by the imperfect combustion of various organic compounds. Sources range from smoke, automobile exhaust, and fire to household and industrial equipment. We examined the statistics of accidental and suicidal death due to CO poisoning with reference to gender, age, month and place from The vital statistics submitted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan [1]. The statistics show an increase in the number of lethal CO poisoning accidents from 1998 to 2007. Approximately two thirds of the accidental CO poisoning occurs during cold season (from November to April), and more than half at home. There have been many news reports on CO poisoning due to defects in household gas appliances, and manufacturer's negligence, but the statistics do not tell the truth.