Not only is carbon monoxide highly toxic, it is also tasteless and invisible, which means that it is difficult to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. it is slightly lighter than air, which means that it tends to rise, and it is explosive. If left unchecked, a build-up of carbon monoxide poses a serious risk, including carbon monoxide poisoning. The following groups are more susceptible to carbon monoxide:
- Expecting mothers: The fetus will actually experience the effects before the mother.
- Infants: They have higher respiration rates.
- People with a heart condition: The heart is the first major organ to be affected.
- Smokers: Carbon monoxide is already present in the blood of smokers.
What happens in one hour of carbon monoxide exposure:
After being exposed to carbon monoxide for one hour, the symptoms progress rapidly based on how much carbon monoxide is in the air.
- 200 parts per million (PPM): slight headache
- 400 PPM: headache, drowsiness, nausea
- 600 PPM: coma, brain damage
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
To learn how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should be aware of the most common causes of carbon monoxide:
Make sure you:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptons:
If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately and move to where you can breathe fresh air.
There are some early warning signs of an increased level of carbon monoxide:
- Condensation: Excessive moisture on walls, rafters, floors, and glass surfaces can be a sign of CO.
- Dead or dying house plants: The lack of oxygen from high CO levels can affect the growth of fragile house plants.
- Lethargic pets: Most often, CO will affect small pets faster than humans.
- Aldehydes: Quite often, an aldehyde smell is associated with the presence of CO, but not always.
Symptoms: Low to Medium Exposure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Poor coordination
Symptoms: High Exposure
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Vomitting
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Death
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
- Known as "carboxyhemoglobin," carbon monoxide poisoning is the poisoning of the blood due to carbon monoxide.
- CO is transferred to the blood through the lungs as you breath.
- CO bonds to the hemoglobin in blood, and reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen through the body.
- CO is 200 times more attracted to blood than oxygen.
Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Call 9-1-1
- Breathe fresh air
- High flow of oxygen (administered on site by EMS)
- Hyperbaric chamber (administered at the hospital)
