It's colorless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly.
Carbon monoxide is a common hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of carbon-containing material, such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. To avoid breathing in toxic levels of carbon monoxide, be aware of how this gas is generated and take steps to prevent it.
On the farm, common sources of carbon monoxide include internal combustion engines such as portable generators, vehicles, lawnmowers and power washers.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 170 people die yearly from carbon monoxide produced by nonautomotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and portable heaters. Fireplaces and charcoal burned in homes and other enclosed areas can also produce carbon monoxide. In 2005, CPSC staff documented at least 94 generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning deaths. Among them, 47 were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather.
Other carbon monoxide deaths can occur because of vehicles left running in an attached garage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that several thousand people visit hospital emergency rooms every year seeking treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.
When carbon monoxide levels in a person's body are high, the person may experience mental confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness and, ultimately, death.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), carbon monoxide, when breathed in, displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of carbon monoxide can overcome a person in minutes, resulting in loss of consciousness and suffocation.
Initial symptoms may cause chest pain in individuals with angina. During prolonged exposure, symptoms may progress to vomiting and muscle weakness. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. They may occur sooner in young children, the elderly, people with lung or heart disease, people at high altitudes, or those who already have elevated carbon monoxide blood levels, such as smokers. Carbon monoxide poisoning also poses a particular risk to fetuses.
The impact of carbon monoxide inhalation depends on the length of the exposure and an individual's health condition. Carbon monoxide concentration is measured in parts-per-million (ppm). Carbon monoxide levels of about 1 to 70 ppm may not result in any symptoms for most people. However, heart patients may experience an increase in chest pain. As carbon monoxide levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable.
When discovered in time, carbon monoxide poisoning can be reversed. However, in acute poisoning cases, permanent damage may occur to parts of the body that require a lot of oxygen, such as the heart and brain.
Whenever carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are experienced, getting to fresh air is critical. If the symptoms occur inside the home, get outside and call 911. Remaining inside a house or other enclosed areas with high levels of carbon monoxide could result in death.
It's also crucial to consult a physician for proper diagnosis and medical attention. If carbon monoxide poisoning is confirmed, ensure any appliances that were a carbon monoxide source are repaired or replaced. If the incident occurred inside an improperly vented enclosure, update the venting.
carbon monoxide alarms are designed to sound before potentially life-threatening carbon monoxide levels are reached. Safety standards for these alarms have continually improved, and current alarms are more reliable than those used in the past. Install an alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions, and never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm. While an alarm provides some added protection, there is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce carbon monoxide. Interconnected carbon monoxide alarms offer the best protection. When one sounds, they all sound. Ensure that the alarm is not located in a space that can be covered by furniture or draperies.
Activities that may put people at risk include welding, mechanic work in an unvented garage, firefighting, diesel engine operation and operating a forklift. To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use qualified professionals for installation. Have heating systems professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections. It is also recommended to only service fuel-burning appliances if you have the proper knowledge, skills and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment. Never operate a portable generator or any gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap carbon monoxide and allow it to build to lethal levels quickly. Only use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent if it is specifically designed for use in enclosed spaces and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area. Other preventative tips include never burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent; never leaving a car running in an attached garage, even with open doors; and never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers to heat your home.
Find additional details at www.cdc.gov/co/copoisoningfactsheet.html.
