Exposure to forces of nature (X30-X39)

ICD-10 codes X30 through X39 cover medical conditions and injuries caused by various natural forces and environmental exposures, including heat, cold, sunlight, earthquakes, storms, floods, and other natural events. These codes specify whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or related to sequela (aftereffects), helping detailed tracking and treatment of these cases.

This range addresses specific exposures such as exposure to excessive natural heat (X30) often referred to as heatwave or heat-induced dermatosis, and exposure to excessive natural cold (X31), including conditions like hypothermia caused by cold weather. Codes like X32 relate to injuries from sunlight exposure, covering solar urticaria and phototoxic dermatitis. Natural disasters are extensively coded: X34–X36 cover earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and earth movements such as avalanches and landslides. Cataclysmic storms, including hurricanes (X37.0), tornadoes (X37.1), blizzards (X37.2), and dust storms (X37.3), also feature detailed codes. Flooding incidents are documented under X38, while X39 includes exposure to other forces like natural radiation (radon or solar radiation storm) and less common events such as droughts, meteorite impacts, and acid rain. Each event’s codes include designations for initial treatment, follow-up care, and long-term sequela, ensuring precise coding for environmental injuries and exposures.