Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of
CO poisoning. Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicates that
while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented
that 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. The following symptoms are related to CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with ALL
members of the household:
Common Mild Exposure Symptoms:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Common Medium Exposure Symptoms:
Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Common Extreme Exposure Symptoms:
Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure.
It can cause brain damage and death.
Become familiar with these common symptoms
from CO poisoning.
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning,
consult your doctor immediately!
4-1
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
3-2
Part Three – What You Should Know
Before the Alarms Sounds
The maximum allowable concentration for
continuous exposure for healthy adults in any
8-hour period, according to HSE*.
Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea
after 2-3 hours.
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life
threatening after 3 hours.
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45
minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death
within 2-3 hours.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20
minutes. Death within 1 hour.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10
minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2
minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
Death within 1-3 minutes.
50 ppm
200 ppm
400 ppm
800 ppm
1,600 ppm
3,200 ppm
6,400 ppm
12,800 ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
(ppm = parts
per million)
Approximate Inhalation Time
and Symptoms Developed
* Health and Safety Executive
Reminder:
The chart above relates to the exposure of healthy adults.
Read the info on the previous page for descriptions of those who are at
higher risk.
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