Carbon monoxide poisoning is an illness caused by too much exposure to carbon monoxide which is a colorless, unscented and flavorless type of gas. If breathing in plenty of carbon monoxide in the air, it can weaken the ability of the body in absorbing oxygen that can cause damage to the tissue and sometimes can cause death.
Carbon monoxide is produced from appliances and other tools that produce burning fumes, like burning gas or other petroleum products, wood and other fuels. The danger will happen when there is plenty of accumulated carbon monoxide in a closed and poorly ventilated space.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Dull headache, dizziness, and weakness
- There is shortness of breath and loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion and blurred vision
Carbone monoxide poisoning is dangerous to people who are sleeping or intoxicated and the fumes can be deadly before anyone realizes there is a problem.
Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Inhaling combustion fumes
- Some appliances that are fuelled using wood or gas will produce carbon monoxide like fuel-burning space heaters, charcoal grills, furnaces, cooking ranges, fireplaces, portable generators, water heaters and car and truck engines.
- A closed or partially closed space like using a charcoal grill indoors and running a car in closed garage. The carbon monoxide can build up to a high level that is very dangerous.
- Inhaling smoke during a fire can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Complications that carbon monoxide poisoning can cause include damage to the heart that can cause serious cardiac complications for years after the poisoning, permanent brain damage and even death.
Treatment and home remedies
- Remove people and animals immediately from the source of carbon monoxide poisoning and if inside the house or building, get out and breathe some fresh air.
- Check if the poisoned victim is breathing and if he/she is not breathing, start CPR until help arrives. Let the victim lay flat on the floor on his/her back, then seal the nose and cover the mouth and blow until the chest of the victim expands about 1 second, then give two more breaths then check if the victim is breathing. If the victim is not breathing, press down firmly on the chest just right in between the nipples for 30 times at 100 pumps per minute. Continue with the procedure until help arrives. If you want to be prepared, enroll in a first aid course
- For severe cases of poisoning, the affected person should be taken to the hospital for treatment. Even if the affected person seems to be recovering, he/she still needs medication attention.
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in every hallway in the house near each sleeping area in the house
- Before starting the engine of a vehicle, open the garage door.
- Avoid running a generator in a closed space such as in the basement or garage
- Keep gas appliances and fireplaces in good condition. Clean the fireplace chimney every year.