Carbon mono oxide is the gas which is produced when carbon containing material is incompletely combusted. With complete combustion carbon di oxide is produced. Both these gases are problematic and injurious to health. Carbon mono oxide or CO is more toxic as it is more readily penetrable and difficult to remove from body when absorbed.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when any person is exposed to very high levels of CO in a confined space. CO is a colorless, highly poisonous, tasteless, flammable gas slightly less dense than air. CO has one carbon atom with oxygen in a triple bond. Symptoms of CO are flu-like and include headaches, weakness, upset stomach, dizziness, chest pain, and confusion. Some people may also experience nausea, shortness of breath, blurred vision and unconsciousness. Large exposures can result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmia, seizures, or even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated. People may have irreversible brain damage or even die before anyone realizes there’s a problem. Depending on the degree and length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause: permanent brain damage, damage to your heart, possibly leading to life-threatening cardiac complications, fetal death or miscarriage, and death.
CO poisoning occurs as CO mixes and binds with hemoglobin. When this happens, less oxygen is transported to body tissues and vital organs such as the brain and heart. When CO is inhaled, it bonds with hemoglobin, displacing oxygen and forming carboxyhemoglobin, resulting in a lack of oxygen in the body cells. This also results in impaired oxygen transport and utilization. CO poisoning is caused by inhaling combustion fumes. Various fuel-burning appliances and engines produce fumes that aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, if used in a closed or partially closed space, like using a charcoal grill indoors, the CO can build up to dangerous levels. Smoke inhalation during a fire can also cause CO poisoning.
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. In Pakistan the winter time is the time of the year when most of these exposures happen, as people burn woods to keep themselves warm, close the doors to stay warm and CO can accumulate, and use faulty equipment which leak CO.
Prevention can include: Installing CO detectors, keep fuel-burning appliances and engines properly vented, if you have a fireplace, keep it in good repair, keep vents and chimneys unblocked during rematching, and use cautions. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator, have an expert service it. An odor from your gas refrigerator can mean it could be leaking CO. When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, so you would know it is properly tested against any leaks.
The warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle. But the condition is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you think you or someone you’re with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and seek emergency medical care.