What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. It is produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels like gasoline, propane, kerosene, oil, and wood. When these fuels burn, oxygen combines with carbon to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). If there is not enough oxygen present for complete combustion, carbon monoxide is produced instead of carbon dioxide.
Some common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include gas stoves and ovens, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, and car exhaust fumes coming into an attached garage. Faulty chimneys or flues, cracked or loose furnace exchangers, and blocked vents and chimneys can also allow carbon monoxide to leak into the home from these appliances.
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it bonds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells much more readily than oxygen does. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, but when carbon monoxide is present, it takes the place of oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be circulated in the bloodstream.
This oxygen deficiency causes the body’s cells and tissues to become starved for oxygen. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and disorientation. At very high levels, it can cause loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death. Carbon monoxide essentially suffocates you by preventing your blood from carrying enough oxygen.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as “flu-like” and include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Visual changes
At high levels of exposure, the symptoms are more severe and can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Respiratory failure
- Brain damage
- Death
It’s important to note that carbon monoxide symptoms are often described as “flu-like” because they are very similar to common viral illnesses like the flu or a cold. The difference is that carbon monoxide symptoms tend to improve when you leave the exposed environment, while flu symptoms would persist.
Who is most at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide exposure:
- Infants, children, and fetuses – Because their bodies are still developing, infants and children can be more severely affected by lower levels of exposure.
- Elderly – They may have underlying heart or lung disease that makes them more susceptible.
- People with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems – They already have compromised oxygen delivery.
- Pregnant women – The fetus relies on the mother’s blood oxygen levels.
- People engaging in strenuous exercise – Increased activity leads to higher oxygen demand.
Additionally, during the winter months, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises as people turn on gas-burning furnaces and alternative heating sources like fireplaces and wood stoves without proper ventilation.
How can I tell if I am being exposed to carbon monoxide in my home?
There are several ways you may be able to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors – CO detectors alert you to dangerous levels of the gas in your home.
- Be aware of symptoms – Pay attention if you or other household members develop flu-like symptoms that improve when you leave home.
- Look for soot buildup – Check around gas stoves and appliances for any black, flaky buildup that could indicate improper combustion.
- Listen for changes in appliance sounds – Unusual sounds like hissing or roaring could signal a problem.
- Notice smells – Be aware of smells like rotten eggs, which can indicate a gas leak.
Having working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home is crucial. These detectors sound an alarm if CO concentrations in the air rise to dangerous levels. Newer detectors even display the current CO levels digitally.
How do carbon monoxide detectors work?
Carbon monoxide detectors use an electrochemical sensor or metal oxide semiconductor to detect CO gas. Here’s a quick overview of how each type works:
Electrochemical CO sensors:
- Contain an electrolyte solution that oxidizes CO to carbon dioxide
- This chemical reaction generates an electrical current proportional to CO levels
- Circuitry measures the electrical signal and triggers alarm at high CO
Metal oxide semiconductor CO sensors:
- Have a tin dioxide sensing element that oxidizes CO to carbon dioxide
- Oxidation changes electrical resistance in semiconductor
- Resistance change triggers sensor and alarm
Both technologies allow detectors to register the presence of CO and sound an alarm before concentrations reach immediately dangerous levels.
What level of carbon monoxide is dangerous?
The table below shows the health effects that can occur at different carbon monoxide exposure levels:
CO Concentration (ppm) | Exposure Time | Symptoms |
---|---|---|
35 | 8 hours | Headache, dizziness |
100 | 3 hours | Mild headache |
200 | 2-3 hours | Severe headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness |
400 | 1-2 hours | Headache, nausea, dizziness, convulsions, unconsciousness |
800 | 45 minutes | Unconsciousness, seizures, respiratory arrest, death |
1600 | 20 minutes | Unconsciousness, seizures, respiratory arrest, death |
As you can see, carbon monoxide can cause severe symptoms and death in just minutes at very high concentrations. Lower levels over several hours can also be extremely hazardous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers CO concentrations above 100 ppm dangerous to human health.
Recommended carbon monoxide alarm levels
Most carbon monoxide detectors are programmed with the following audible alarm levels:
- 30-50 ppm – Detector chirps or flashes to indicate low CO levels
- 50-100 ppm – Detector sounds alarm within 1-3 hours
- 100-300 ppm – Detector sounds alarm within 10-50 minutes
- 300+ ppm – Detector sounds alarm within 1-3 minutes
These thresholds follow guidelines set by national health organizations. They ensure you are alerted to rising CO levels before concentrations become immediately life-threatening.
What should I do if my CO detector goes off?
If your carbon monoxide detector alarms, you should:
- Evacuate the home immediately – Get everyone out of the house right away.
- Call 911 – Alert the fire department to the possible CO leak at your home.
- Do not re-enter the home – Only emergency responders should check CO levels and look for the source of the gas.
- Seek medical attention – Tell doctors you may have CO poisoning so they can check blood levels.
Never ignore a CO alarm, even if you do not have symptoms. Dangerously high CO levels may be present even if you feel fine. Leave the home and call for help to be safe.
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in my home?
You can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by taking the following safety measures:
- Install CO detectors on every level – Use battery-powered, plug-in, or hardwired CO detectors near bedrooms.
- Have appliances checked annually – Make sure gas stoves, dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, etc are serviced yearly.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear – Check for blockages and have chimneys cleaned professionally.
- Open windows when using fuel-burning appliances – Ensure proper ventilation when operating gas stoves, kerosene heaters, etc.
- Never run a car in an attached garage – Exhaust contains high levels of carbon monoxide.
- Place generators outside – Never run portable generators indoors or near air intakes.
Following these tips and using CO detectors can help protect you and your family from dangerous carbon monoxide exposure. Be vigilant and take action quickly if an alarm ever sounds in your home.
What is the treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning focuses on two key areas:
1. Removing the person from CO exposure
The most urgent step is to evacuate the victim to fresh air and administer 100% oxygen via a tight-fitting mask. This helps displace CO from the bloodstream more quickly.
2. Monitoring and supportive medical care
Those with moderate to severe poisoning are admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit for monitoring and treatment. Their blood CO levels are tested periodically to see how quickly the body is eliminating CO.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, other treatments may include:
- IV fluids and electrolytes to stabilize blood pressure and circulation
- Medications like pain relievers for headache and antibiotics for infections
- Breathing support with a ventilator for respiratory failure
- ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to oxygenate blood directly
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a specialized chamber
The main treatment goals are maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to organs and managing complications until CO is cleared from the body. Most symptoms resolve once blood CO levels return to normal.
What are long term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?
In severe cases, significant long term effects are possible following carbon monoxide poisoning, including:
Brain and nervous system problems:
- Dementia
- Memory and cognitive issues
- Parkinson’s disease
- Incoordination
- Difficulty walking
- Permanent brain damage (in extreme cases)
Heart and circulatory effects:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Pulmonary edema
Other possible issues:
- Hearing loss
- Visual changes
- Psychological problems like depression
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of bladder control
The risk of permanent damage depends on the degree of poisoning and how long someone is exposed before treatment. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions tend to face higher risks for long term effects from CO poisoning.
Regular medical follow-ups are important, as some problems may not arise until weeks or months later. Prompt treatment can help minimize lasting consequences.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas that can build up in enclosed spaces and poison occupants. Be aware of potential sources in the home, install CO detectors, and recognize symptoms of poisoning like headaches, dizziness, and confusion. If an alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911. Preventative steps like annual appliance checks and keeping vents unobstructed can also reduce risk. Long term effects like brain damage are possible in severe cases, underscoring the importance of quick action and treatment if you suspect CO poisoning. Being informed and vigilant about carbon monoxide can help keep you and your family safe.