Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

General Information on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. When inhaled, carbon monoxide prevents blood from carrying oxygen and prevents tissues from using oxygen effectively. Small amounts are not usually harmful, but poisoning occurs when levels of carbon monoxide in the blood are too high. Improperly vented cars, furnaces, water heaters, gas heaters, and stoves can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Tobacco smoke also contains carbon monoxide but usually not enough to result in poisoning.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Mild symptoms include:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Poor coordination

Moderate or severe symptoms include:
Confusion
Unconsciousness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coma
Death

Treatments For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Most of the time a person with mild carbon monoxide symptoms will quickly recover when moved into fresh air. Victims of moderate or severe poisoning often become unconscious and are not able to move themselves and must be rescued. Severe poisoning is often fatal. Carbon monoxide poisoning within the home is especially dangerous because a person may mistake their symptoms for those of a cold or flu. Carbon monoxide poisoning is diagnosed by measuring the level of carbon monoxide in the blood.

Personal Experience

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - personal experiences