CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

SANJAY SHAH, M.D.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is poisonous.  It is produced by burning any fuel.  Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in blood and deprives organs and tissues of oxygen.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, confusion and fainting.  It may finally lead to unconsciousness and death.

Sources of carbon monoxide are usually heating devices.  Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel in these devices is burned with less than enough oxygen.  Sources of CO include oil, wood and gas furnaces, gas heaters, gas stoves, gas dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, automobiles, lawn mowers, and other gasoline powered equipment.

Preventing CO poisoning is easy by following some simple rules:

1. Purchase Carbon Monoxide detectors for your home.
2. Have gas burning appliances and venting and chimney systems inspected by a professional technician in the beginning of each heating season.
3. Follow directions for proper installation and maintenance of gas burning appliances.
4. Check pilot lights on natural gas burning appliances for a clear blue flame.
5. Do not use oven or gas range for heating your home.
6. Do not let the fireplace or space heater run while you are sleeping.
7. Never use charcoal grills in your home or tent, only use charcoal grills in a well ventilated area.
8. Never leave your car engine running in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
9. Never sleep in a parked car with the engine running.
10. Never let passengers sleep or travel in a covered bed of a pick up truck.

Place CO detectors near the ceiling of your home on each level.  Do not place detectors within five feet of a gas burning appliance.  If you think carbon monoxide poisoning has occurred, move to fresh air right away.