Forensic Toxicology of Carbon Monoxide in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a major global health issue, especially in the field of forensic medicine. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that, when inhaled in high concentrations, can lead to tissue hypoxia and death by binding to hemoglobin and reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Every year, CO poisoning leads to a significant number of fatalities, particularly in winter when charcoal is used for heating in poorly ventilated areas. Additionally, CO is a major contributor to fire-related deaths, especially in homes where a fire is contained before it spreads, allowing the gas to accumulate indoors. Saudi Arabia's CO poisoning is notably more prevalent during the winter months due to malfunctioning heating systems and inadequate ventilation, which result in the build-up of CO in indoor spaces. Despite its relevance, there is a significant lack of case-specific forensic toxicological data on CO poisoning in Saudi Arabia. This makes the Kingdom an interesting location for studies on CO poisoning, as there is currently limited published data on the topic. This review article aims to discuss CO poisoning from a clinical perspective, exploring Sources and toxicological characteristics of CO, while also shedding light on its impact on public health in Saudi Arabia.