Carbon Monoxide and How It Can
Affect You and Your Family
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, poisonous gas that kills hundreds of people each year and injures many
more. It is often referred to as the silent killer because it has no odour or taste and cannot be seen. Like
oxygen, CO enters the body through the lungs during the normal breathing process. It competes with
oxygen by replacing it in the red blood cells, thereby reducing the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain and
other vital organs. In high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING indicate that while victims are aware they
are not feeling well, they become disorientated and unable to save themselves by either exiting the building
or calling for assistance. Exposure during sleep is particularly dangerous because the victim usually does not
wake up.
Symptoms of CO poisoning
The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the
household:
•
Mild Exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms).
•
Medium Exposure:
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
•
Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death.
3
