EsiWelma
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s.r.l.
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E117.602_En
If the CO level in the air inhaled is constant, the level of COHb in the bloodstream will approach a state of equilibrium after a
few hours.
Still, the speed of that equilibrium depends on a number of factors such as the rate of lung ventilation (physical activity), the
transfer to the pulmonary alveolus, cardiac parameters, concentration of haemoglobin in the bloodstream, barometric pressure,
concentration of oxygen and of carbon dioxide in the breathed air, the individual's state of health, but the two most important
factors are the concentration of CO and the time of exposure to the gas.
Typical effects of exposure to CO (at concentrations and exposure times over the ones that set off the detector) are, in growing
order of concentration and/or time:
• Slight headache, weakness and, if pregnant, possible effect on foetus
• Severe headache, nausea, loss of movement in hands
• Severe headache, irritability, confusion, loss of vision, muscle weakness, dizziness
• Convulsions and loss of consciousness
• Coma, respiratory arrest, death.
The action of the detector cannot protect individuals in particular risk categories such as people who suffer from cardiovascular
disease, hyperthyroidism, respiratory disease etc..
