Carbon monoxide Health Article

Definition

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths each year in North America. It is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.

This article discusses poisoning from breathing in carbon monoxide.

Poisonous Ingredient

Carbon monoxide, a chemical produced from the incomplete burning of natural gas or other products containing carbon.

Where Found

The following items may produce carbon monoxide:

• Anything that burns coal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, or wood
• Automobile engines
• Charcoal grills (charcoal should never be burned indoors)
• Indoor and portable heating systems
• Portable propane heaters
• Stoves (indoor and camp stoves)
• Water heater that use natural gas

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

When you breathe in carbon monoxide, the poison replaces the oxygen in your bloodstream. Your heart, brain, and body will become starved of oxygen.

Symptoms vary from person to person. Those at high risk include young children, the elderly, persons with lung or heart disease, people at high altitudes, and smokers. Carbon monoxide can harm a fetus (unborn baby still in the womb).

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Breathing problems, including no breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing
• Chest pain (may occur suddenly in people with angina)
• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fainting
• Headache
• Hyperactivity
• Impaired judgment
• Irritability
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Rapid or abnormal heart beat
• Shock
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unconsciousness

Home Treatment

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air. Seek immediate medical help.

PREVENTION

Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Place an additional detector near any major gas-burning appliances (such as a furnace or water heater).

Many carbon monoxide poisonings occur in the winter months when furnaces, gas fireplaces, and portable heaters are being used and windows are closed. Make sure you have any heaters and gas-burning appliances regularly inspected to make sure they are safe to use.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• How long they may have been exposed to the carbon monoxide, if known