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1. Carbon monoxide (CO)
– cause and effect
Carbon monoxide (CO) can not be seen, smelled or tasted. The formation of CO in the blood is
called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The enrichment of carbon monoxide (CO) in the blood
prevents the oxygen admission. This has the consequence that vital organs such as e.g. the heart
or the brain are no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. According to concentration, a CO-
poisoning can take a few minutes and even lead to death.
The most common sources of CO are:
Faulty gas heating (gas boiler) and gas stoves
Running car engines or lawn mower engines in enclosed rooms
Blocked or not cleaned chimneys, fireplace or flues
Portable fuel burners
Fuel-powered tools
Note:
Heating system, vents, chimney and flue should be checked yearly by a qualified
professinal!
The following symptoms appear by a carbon monoxide poisoning:
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to influenza, but without fever. Other
symptoms are dizziness, tiredness, weakness, headaches, feeling of sickness, vomiting,
drowsiness and confusion. For unborn and born babies, young children, pregnant women, senior
citizens and people with heart or respiratory disease are at the highest risk for serious infury or
death!
CO-concentration
Symptoms
Low:
slight headaches nausea, vomit, tiredness (
often described as „similar to
influenza“ symptoms).
Middle:
Strong headaches, giddiness, vomit, sleepiness, cramps
High:
Unconsciousness, cardiorespiratory failure, death
The above poisoning levels are relate to healthy adults. The levels vary for different person or risk-
groups. A strong carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent damage and disability as well
as the death of a person. Many sufferers are aware that they feeling not well, but can not get
themselves in safety or request help.
