Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas which may be produced by the burning of gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuels.
Improperly ventilated fuel-burning appliances or engines, particularly in enclosed spaces, may allow carbon monoxide in the bloodstream to accumulate to dangerous levels. Carbon monoxide positioning is considered a life-threatening medical emergency. As the body starts replacing oxygen inside red blood cells with carbon monoxide, serious cardiac or brain damage, foetal miscarriage or even death may occur.
The warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning may be very subtle and may go unnoticed. These could include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and eventually loss of consciousness.
Exposure to carbon monoxide may be more dangerous in the foetus, children, older adults, those with chronic heart disease, as well as those experiencing a prolonged period of unconsciousness or are sleeping during the Carbon monoxide exposure.
If you are suspecting the presence of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to ventilate all rooms, get into fresh air and seek timely emergency care, as the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be indicated.
In order to minimize harm from carbon monoxide poisoning, one can readily install carbon monoxide detectors in offices and homes, open all garage doors before starting cars, and ideally use fuel-burning appliances only when someone is awake to monitor them, and where there are enough adequately open doors/windows to provide oxygen-rich fresh air to pass through the rooms. Moreover, one should seek to keep all fuel-burning appliances, such as gas heaters, grills, fireplaces, generators, stoves, as well as auto-mobile engines properly vented and well maintained.
Caution should also be applied when working with solvents in enclosed spaces, since Methylene chloride, a solvent which is commonly found in paint or varnish removers, can also break down into carbon monoxide when inhaled.
By Dr. Georgiana Farrugia Bonnici, Specialist in Family Medicine
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.