| What is it?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be generated by the incomplete burning or combustion of any product containing carbon. So, CO can be generated from the incomplete burning of propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene, charcoal, wood, or coal.
How are people exposed to CO?
You can be exposed to low levels of CO when we drive in heavy traffic. Cigarette smoking can also expose a person to low levels of CO.
High levels of CO can come from faulty gas heaters, blocked chimneys, faulty gas appliances, and house fires. Exposures can also occur when people ride in the covered back bed of a truck with the back window open. (The CO comes up from the exhaust and into the bed of the truck).
Running propane or gasoline powered engines or tools in a closed space can expose a person to CO. Some paint strippers contain methylene chloride, which converts to CO in the body. These products should not be used in a closed garage or confined space.
What does it do?
Carbon monoxide interferes with the way your body delivers oxygen to tissues and organs. It decreases the amount of oxygen that your hemoglobin (in your red blood cells) can carry and makes it harder for the oxygen to be delivered to the cells in your body. CO may also cause free radical damage in the brain and nervous system. The heart is another organ which is particularly affected by this toxin.
How will I know that I have been exposed to CO?
The most common complaint after a CO exposure is a headache. Other complaints could be nausea, drowsiness, chest tightness, or confusion. CO is more dangerous to children and pets than adults. It takes less of an exposure to produce effects in smaller children and pets. This is also true if a woman is pregnant. It takes a smaller exposure to be dangerous to a baby or fetus.
What can I do to avoid being exposed to CO?
1. Have your chimney cleaned regularly.
2. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
3. Do not run your car, lawn mower, or other internal combustion engine in a closed space.
4. Maintain any portable heaters and make sure that they are vented appropriately.
5. Follow instructions on the operation of gasoline or propane powered equipment
6. Do not use methylene chloride containing paint stripper in a closed space (It converts in the body to CO).
7. When using gas heaters, make sure that you have fresh air flowing into the area.
What do I do if I have been exposed to CO? If anyone is having difficulty breathing or is not waking up, contact 911 immediately. If there is no immediate life threat, contact your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for advice. Try to go out in fresh air, away from the exposure source. |
