Carbon Monoxide

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

There is always a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home or business. There are various appliances and systems that could accidentally introduce carbon monoxide into your building, and cause poisoning. Household appliances, gas fires, boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, cookers, open fires that use gas, oil, coal and wood can all pose a risk. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be very dangerous at high levels. It can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

If you feel you have been exposed with carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical help. If you go to the hospital, they may have you breathe pure oxygen through a mask. This helps oxygen reach your organs and tissues.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used in cases of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is air pressure that is about two or three times higher than normal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used in cases of severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hospital staff will need critical information as soon as you arrive. On the way to the hospital, try to prepare to answer questions about:

• Possible sources of carbon monoxide exposure
• Signs or symptoms, and when they started
• Any mental impairment, including confusion and memory problems
• Any loss of consciousness
• Other medical conditions with which the affected person has been diagnosed, including pregnancy
• Smoking habits