Introduction
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. While CO itself lacks any detectable scent, it can often be present alongside other gases that do have an odor. This means that you could unknowingly inhale CO while breathing in gases that you can smell, unaware of its dangerous presence.
According to the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.
Where is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide can be found in:
- Natural Gas
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Oil
- Propane
- And, more
Additionally, CO can be found in fumes produced when you burn fuel in cars/trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, and more.
What are the Dangers?
Everyone can be at risk of CO poisoning. Infants, elderly people, and those with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO.
This gas kills without warning. CO blocks the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream and poisons the red blood cells. When tissues and organs do not receive oxygen, they stop functioning. The human brain is extremely vulnerable to oxygen deprivation – most early symptoms of CO poisoning is brain malfunction due to the lack of oxygen.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Aside from chest tightness, initial symptoms of CO poisoning vary by severity, including:
- Low Concentrations: Shortage of breath on moderate exertion, slight headache, nausea, and dizziness. At lower levels, people often mistake the symptoms of CO exposure for the flu or do not associate their slight headache and nausea with carbon monoxide exposure
- High Concentrations: Severe headache, mental confusion, dizziness, vision and hearing impairment, or collapse or fainting on exertion
- And, Extreme Concentrations: Unconsciousness, coma, or death
Carbon Monoxide is classified as a potential hazard to reproductive health when exposed during pregnancy. In men, generic damage to reproductive cells, loss of potency, and abnormal sperm count can occur.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you suspect you have been exposed to CO, get to fresh air immediately and call 911 or seek medical attention. You may also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Experts will help you determine if further medical attention is needed. If you catch CO poisoning in time, treatment can reverse the effects. However, you may experience lingering complications to your health depending on the severity of exposure. These complications may include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Parkinson’s disease
- Memory loss
- Or, heart abnormalities
If you suspect someone around you has been exposed to CO:
- Move them to fresh air immediately
- Call 911
- Administer 100% oxygen using a tightfitting mask, if the victim is breathing and if one is available
- And, administer CPR if the victim has stopped breathing
Preventing CO Poisoning
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recommends “I CAN B” as an easy reminder to prevent CO poisoning. “I CAN B” stands for:
- Install CO alarms near sleeping areas
- Check heating systems and fuel-burning appliances annually
- Avoid the use of non-vented combustion appliances
- Never burn fuel indoors, except in devices such as stoves or furnaces that are made for safe use
- And, Be attentive to possible symptoms of CO poisoning
In addition, the EPA also provides other tips for preventing CO poisoning, including:
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted
- Open flues when using fireplaces
- Inspect heating systems and chimneys
- Never idle a vehicle in the garage, even if the garage door is open
- Install CO alarms and monitors
- And, use portable generators outside and away from buildings
Visit the EPA Fact Sheet linked above for a further list of prevention tips.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide safety is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones from a silent, odorless threat. By understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide and taking preventive measures—such as installing CO detectors, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining appliances—you’re significantly reducing the risk of exposure.