Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a preventable but potentially fatal condition caused by exposure to high levels of the colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue, annually resulting in over 500 deaths in the United States, and as high as 2,000 cases globally in 2010. CO poisoning can cause a variety of long-term health effects, including cognitive, emotional, and physical problems that may last for months or years after exposure. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning and take preventive measures—by installing CO detectors in the home and performing regular vehicle maintenance—to decrease the risk of the potentially severe effects of CO poisoning.
CO is a poisonous gas that is found in any burning fuel and is produced by internal combustion engines, such as those in cars and trucks. Incomplete combustion of fuel results in the release of CO, which is then breathed in by humans and animals. Similarly, CO is generated when fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, have not been properly vented, when a clogged chimney prevents the harmful exhaust from being released, and when operating tools and machines without proper ventilation. Moreover, CO can enter a home through opening the door of a running car that is located in a garage or any fuel-burning device located in an enclosed space.
The first symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning may be a headache due to a lack of oxygen; other symptoms include dizziness, confusion, nausea, weakness, and/or chest pain. Unremitting exposure to high levels of CO can lead to decreased consciousness, coma, and even death. Due to the difficulty in detecting CO, it is essential to take preventive measures against exposure. Detectors that measure CO levels should be installed in all homes, with one detector on each floor, and replaced according to manufacturer instructions. By eliminating potential sources of the gas and installing detectors, the risk of developing serious health conditions due to CO poisoning can be minimized.
CO poisoning can be especially dangerous for individuals who are already in a weakened condition, such as pregnant women, elderly people, and those with heart or respiratory conditions. A combination of symptoms—headache, lightheadedness, and/or chest pain—may indicate CO poisoning. If these symptoms occur soon after entering a building or after using a fuel-burning device, it is important to leave the building and seek medical attention immediately.
Furthermore, car and truck owners should be aware of the dangers of running a vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage. Before entering a garage, all vehicles should be left in park and turned off, with the doors and windows open. Furthermore, all cars and trucks should be regularly serviced to ensure that they are running properly, as a faulty engine can often produce excess levels of carbon monoxide.
To prevent CO poisoning, people should never use gas-powered appliances, such as lawnmowers, portable generators, and charcoal grills, in enclosed spaces, as these devices produce potentially hazardous levels of the gas. Furthermore, if any fuel-burning device does produce CO, individual households should be sure to have a working CO detector installed and active for their safety.
In conclusion, CO is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas that can be found in any burning fuel. CO poisoning is a serious and potentially fatal condition, causing permanent health effects and even death. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks of CO exposure and to take preventive measures, such as installing CO detectors in the home and regularly servicing vehicles, to minimize the risk of CO poisoning.
