Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Symptoms and Causes
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when this harmful gas enters your bloodstream. The gas takes the place of oxygen in your red blood cells, which can damage tissues and organs throughout your body. Without quick treatment, it can be deadly.
Carbon monoxide has no smell, taste, or color, making it impossible to detect without special equipment. The gas forms when fuels burn, including:
- Natural gas
- Wood
- Propane
- Charcoal
- Gasoline
Poorly ventilated appliances and engines produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Small or sealed spaces make the problem worse, as the gas has nowhere to go.
Important safety note: If someone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, get them to fresh air immediately. Call 911 right away, especially if the person is unconscious or unresponsive. Quick medical treatment is essential for recovery.
Signs and Symptoms
Carbon monoxide affects the body in ways that can harm the brain and heart. When exposed, you might feel like you have the flu, but without a fever.
The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Strong sleepiness
- Problems controlling muscles
- Passing out
After recovery, some people may have problems with their brains and nerves. These issues are more common in older adults and those who lost consciousness. These effects might include:
- Memory problems
- Changes in personality
- Difficulty with movement
Carbon monoxide is most dangerous when people are asleep or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The gas can cause brain damage or death before anyone notices a problem.
Causes
Carbon monoxide forms when certain products and engines burn fuel. In well-ventilated areas, these sources typically don’t create dangerous levels.
However, when used in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide can reach harmful concentrations.
Common sources include:
- Charcoal grills used indoors
- Cars running in closed garages
- Other fuel-burning equipment in poorly ventilated areas
When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it displaces oxygen in your bloodstream. This prevents your body from delivering oxygen to vital organs and tissues.
Other causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Smoke inhalation during fires
- Hookah (water pipe) smoking, which has led to an increase in poisoning cases among young people
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it binds to hemoglobin better than oxygen, leading to oxygen deficiency in the body.
Risk Factors
Some people face a higher risk from carbon monoxide exposure:
- Unborn babies are at special risk because their blood absorbs carbon monoxide more readily than adult blood.
- Infants and children breathe more frequently than adults, increasing their exposure.
- Older adults have a higher chance of brain damage from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Possible Complications
Carbon monoxide exposure can cause serious health problems based on the amount inhaled and the exposure time. These complications may include:
- Permanent brain damage
- Heart damage that may cause serious cardiac problems
- Fatal outcomes in severe cases
Carbon monoxide poisoning can have serious and lasting effects, particularly from high exposure or prolonged contact.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Installing carbon monoxide detectors is one of the most important safety steps you can take. Place detectors near every sleeping area and on each floor of your home.
Test batteries twice yearly, along with smoke detector batteries. If an alarm sounds, leave immediately and call emergency services. These detectors are also available for boats and RVs.
Avoid operating vehicles in confined areas. Always open the garage door before starting your car, and never leave it running inside the garage, even if the door is open. This is especially dangerous with attached garages.
Use appliances only for their intended purpose. Don’t use gas stoves or ovens as heating sources. Ensure that camp stoves are used exclusively outdoors.
Only use fuel-burning space heaters when someone is awake to monitor them and with proper ventilation. Generators should never run indoors or in partially enclosed areas like basements or garages.
Ensuring adequate spacing around fuel-burning equipment is crucial. This includes:
- Gas appliances
- Space heaters
- Wood-burning stoves
All of these devices require adequate ventilation. Have professionals install all gas, oil, and coal-burning appliances, and schedule yearly maintenance by qualified service providers.
Ensure the longevity and safety of your fireplace by scheduling annual cleanings for both the chimneys and flues. During home renovations, ensure vents and chimneys remain unblocked by tarps or construction materials.
If carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in your home, don’t return until:
- The source has been identified
- Necessary repairs have been completed
- A certified expert has thoroughly examined the property
