Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are
aware they are not well, they become so disorientated that they are unable to save
themselves by either leaving the building or calling for assistance. Young children and
household pets may be the first affected.
Table A: Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
35
The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure in any 8 hour period
according to OSHA *.
150
Slight headache after 1.5 hours.
200
Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.
400
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours, also maximum parts per
million in flue gas (on an air free basis) according to US Environmental Protection Agency.
800
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours.
Death within 2-3 hours.
1,600
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.
3,200
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800
Death within 1-3 minutes.
ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed
ppm = parts per million
*OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Association
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