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April 29th, 2008 at 8:06 am

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

What is Carbon Monoxide and is it Poisonous?

We have all seen the news, or read in the papers, stories of people, entire families dying of carbon monoxide poisoning, their space heater had a leak and filled the home with the poison gas, the family was sleeping and never knew it. That is just one extreme example, but there are many instances where you’re exposed and you’re not even aware of it. Maybe you have a small leak in your car exhaust, or your garage isn’t properly ventilated as you run a gas powered tool. You really need to be careful. Any amount of carbon monoxide exposure can be dangerous. Read the article below and see if you’re being as safe as you can be.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, highly poisonous gas created when any fuel such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, acetylene, or wood is burned. Dangerous situations can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented to the outside atmosphere, where they would quickly dissipate.

Carbon Monoxide Facts

Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Anyone is susceptible, but experts agree that people with anemia, heart disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or other respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to even minimal exposure to CO and are at the greatest risk for serious injury. When one breathes Carbon Monoxide, it enters the bloodstream through the lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. CO molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, thereby blocking and preventing the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. As CO accumulates in the bloodstream, the body becomes starved for oxygen. Breathing high concentrations of CO can be lethal in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous as well. Long-term exposure to low levels has a cumulative effect and can cause permanent heart and brain damage.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes neurological damage, illness, coma and death.

Symptoms of CO exposure

• Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness.

• Nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest.

Some Sources of Exposure

• Portable generators/generators in buildings.

• Concrete cutting saws, compressors.

• Power trowels, floor buffers, space heaters.

• Welding, gasoline powered pumps.

Preventing CO Exposure

Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Opening windows and doors in an enclosed space may prevent CO buildup.

Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.

Do not use a generator outdoors if placed near doors, windows or vents which could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.

When using space heaters and stoves ensure that they are in good working order to reduce CO buildup, and never use in enclosed spaces or indoors.

Consider using tools powered by electricity or compressed air, if available.

If it is suspected that a person has succumbed to CO poisoning, they must be quickly removed from where they were found and taken immediately to an area where fresh air is available. CO poisoning and oxygen deprivation is a life threatening situation. The affected person should be immediately taken to the nearest medical treatment facility. A simple blood test that confirms suspected CO poisoning is available, but must be administered shortly after exposure in order to be accurate.

Conclusion:

It is important to recognize and be aware of the warning signs of CO poisoning. One must also understand how dangerous CO concentrations originate and accumulate so that hazardous conditions can be avoided altogether. Under all circumstances, fuel burning operations must be well ventilated in order to maintain a safe breathing atmosphere.

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