What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuel. It's often called the "silent killer" because it's impossible to detect without special equipment.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
- Malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances
- Gas heaters and furnaces
- Vehicle exhaust
- Wood-burning fireplaces
- Gas-powered generators
- Blocked chimneys
Symptoms
Mild to Moderate Exposure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Severe Exposure
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Seizures
-
Can be fatal
Risk Factors
- Living in homes with old heating systems
- Using fuel-burning equipment in enclosed spaces
- Sleeping in rooms with unvented gas heaters
- Working with engines or combustion equipment
Prevention
- Install CO detectors on every floor
- Annual maintenance of fuel-burning appliances
- Never run engines in enclosed spaces
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Regular chimney cleaning
Treatment
Immediate Actions
- Remove from exposure area
- Get fresh air immediately
- Seek emergency medical care
Medical Treatment
- Oxygen therapy
- Possible hyperbaric oxygen treatment
- Monitoring of blood oxygen levels
Long-term Effects
- Memory problems
- Vision changes
- Heart damage
- Neurological issues
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call emergency services immediately if:
- Multiple people experience symptoms
- CO detector alarms
- Loss of consciousness occurs
- Severe symptoms develop
Follow-up Care
- Regular medical check-ups
- Neurological assessment if needed
- Home safety evaluation
- CO detector maintenance