Carbon Monoxide Safety
General CO Information
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and
tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO
inhibits the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide
poisoning and should be discussed with ALL members of
the household:
Mild Exposure:
Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often
described as “flu”-like symptoms.
Medium Exposure:
Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.
Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.
The above levels of exposure relate to healthy adults.
Levels differ for those at high risk. Exposure to high
levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal or cause
permanent damage and disabilities. Many cases of
reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while
victims are aware they are not well, they become so
disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either
exiting the building, or calling for assistance. Also, young
children and household pets may be the first affected.
Familiarization with the effects of each level is important.
The Effects of CO Exposure
When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your
bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood
cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry
oxygen throughout your body. Carbon monoxide
molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster
than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart,
brain and vital organs. As carbon monoxide accumulates
in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for
oxygen. The amount of carbon monoxide in a person’s
body can be measured by a simple blood test, called a
“carboxyhemoglobin level” test.
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are
often mistaken for the flu – headache, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Could Your Family be at Risk for CO Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning
deaths in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic,
at least 10,000 Americans are affected by CO poisoning
each year.
While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn
babies, small children, senior citizens and people with
heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to
CO and are at the greatest risk for death or serious injury.
Where CO Comes From
Inside the home, appliances used for heating and cooking
are the most likely sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles
running in attached garages can also produce dangerous
levels of carbon monoxide in the home.
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a
potential problem from a number of common sources –
automobiles, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood
stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space heaters and
portable generators.
When these appliances are in good working condition
with proper ventilation, lethal carbon monoxide gas is
vented outdoors where it quickly disperses. But even the
slightest malfunction or misuse of any of these sources can
lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in the home that
can become deadly before one even know it’s there.
You don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a
problem. Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home
designs can trap CO-polluted air inside where it can
quickly build to lethal levels.
The only way to safely detect this poison in the home is
with a carbon monoxide alarm.
Never ignore a CO unit’s alarm. A true alarm is an
indication of potentially dangerous levels of carbon
monoxide. CO alarms are designed to alert you to the
presence of carbon monoxide before an emergency and
before most people would experience symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning.
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