Carbon monoxide is a gas that cannot be detected by sight or smell. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide is the most common type of fatal poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide Effects
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it replaces the oxygen that is present in the blood. This occurs because the carbon monoxide attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen. When carbon monoxide attaches to the hemoglobin it triggers the formations of carboxyhemoglobin which takes over the oxygen in the hemoglobin. Thus, the body's organs and tissues do not get the oxygen they need, resulting in flu-like symptoms, coma and death if exposure is highly concentrated and prolonged.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The first symptom is usually a headache. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, chest pain and unconsciousness. Carbon monoxide is most dangerous when people are sleeping, because they may not wake up before it's too late; death may occur while they are sleeping.
Long-Term Effects
The longer a person is exposed to carbon monoxide, the worse the effects will be. Carbon monoxide can severely damage the heart. The heart is damaged because it is not getting enough oxygen while the carbon monoxide is circulating in the body. The heart damage can lead to heart problems many years after carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, the brain may sustain damage because of oxygen deprivation. Brain damage extent depends on how long the exposure to carbon monoxide lasted.
Treatment
Treatment involves replacing the carbon monoxide in the blood with oxygen. In severe cases, a ventilator or hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be used.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoing Risks and Prevention
Carbon monoxide can be found in certain types of appliances that burn gas, wood, petroleum or other types of fuel. Individuals with such appliances should take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by purchasing carbon monoxide detectors for their home. Carbon monoxide is also emitted from vehicles.
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