During incomplete combustion, the
carbon and hydrogen combine to formcarbon dioxide, water, heat, and deadly carbon
monoxide. In properly installedand maintained appliances gas burns clean and produces only small
amounts ofcarbon monoxide. Anything which disrupts the burning process or results in ashortage of
oxygen can increase carbon monoxide production. What arethe symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?Carbon monoxide symptoms mimic the flu: headaches, fatigue, nausea,dizziness, confusion, and irritability. The attraction of CO and hemoglobin isapproximately 250 times greater than the attraction between oxygen andhemoglobin. The brain and heart require large amounts of oxygen and quicklysuffer from any oxygen shortage. This makes even small amounts of carbonmonoxide dangerous. What factors determine the
danger level?The time of
exposure, the concentration of CO, the activity level of theperson breathing the CO, and the person's age, sex, and general health allaffect the danger level. In 3 to 5 hours the same concentration can lead tounconsciousness and death. Since 50 ppm is the Occupation Health and Safetylimit, is it safe for all people?No. The EPA level of 9 ppm appears to be a reasonable limit in homes.Excessmoisture on the interior of windows.Treatment depends on the amount of carbon monoxide in the bloodstreamand assessment of the patient. The combination of oxygen and elevated pressurequickly and thoroughly forces carbon monoxide from the body. To completelyflush the carbon monoxide from the body requires several hours, valuable timewhen additional damage can occur. Can I be tested for carbon monoxide?Yes. Carboxyhemoglogin levels in the blood drop after the victim isremoved from the carbon monoxide source. For this reason, carboxyhemoglobintests should not be used as the only indicator of the danger of exposure or thepossible adverse health effects. Neurological assessment tests, which ask the patientto perform a variety of physical and mental skills, can be used to determinethe effects of CO exposure. Because the effects of carbon monoxide may last formonths, lack of elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels in the blood does not insurethat carbon monoxide is not the cause of health problems. What should I doto protect myself from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning?First, purchase a carbon monoxide detector(s). For more informationrequest other notes in the Carbon Monoxide series.
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