Carbon Monoxide Exposure: The Quiet Killer
Often times the news reports a tragedy that could have been prevented. A couple dies in their motor home after CO poisoning, an elderly man passes away in his home after being poisoned by carbon monoxide, 2 dead and 10 sick in apparent CO poisoning case. It’s one after another, especially during the winter months. Such tragedy’s are all too common, and yet they are preventable.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and a non-irritating gas that can cause sudden illness and death. It is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless it is not always evident when it has become a problem is the home. Often people who have a mild to moderate problem will find they feel sick while they spend time at home. They might feel a little better outside in the fresh air but will have re-occurring symptoms shortly after returning home. If other members of the family have re-occurring bouts with flu-like symptoms while fuel-burning appliances are being used it may be time to have the house checked by a professional.
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long term health risk if left unattended. It is important to be able to recognize the differences between the flu and CO poisoning, being aware of these differences could potentially save your life.
Unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not produce feverish symptoms or glandular swelling. Although you may suffer symptoms of general fatigue you should not experience the same aching sensation with carbon monoxide as you often would with flu. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may also come and go, or seem more severe on some occasions than on other. Flu, on the other hand, is usually continual until it has passed. With carbon monoxide poisoning you may find that your symptoms worsen at particular times of the day or in particular places.
Some of the mild CO poisoning symptoms are: shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches. With moderate levels of CO exposure the following symptoms may persist for a long period of time: dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, drowsiness, rapid breathing or pulse rate, vision problems, chest pain, convulsions, seizures, and loss of consciousness. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and can be fatal causing death within minutes.
It is no wonder CO poisoning is often called the quiet or silent killer. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses and people who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms. Thousands of people, both young and old, die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and often don’t even know what hit them. They simply slip in to unconsciousness while reading, dosing or even watching television, and never wake up again.
