![]() ![]() This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried round the body.Ī brief exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide may cause headache, flushing, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, muscle pain or personality changes. When breathed in, carbon monoxide enters the blood through the lungs and attaches to the body’s oxygen carrier, haemoglobin. How exposure to carbon monoxide can affect your health Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects. However safe levels of exposure are enforced to protect workers. Workers may be exposed to carbon monoxide (for example those using liquid petroleum gas ( LPG) or petrol powered equipment in enclosed spaces). Very small amounts of carbon monoxide are also produced naturally in the human body, though this is not linked to health problems. Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can occur outdoors, as it is produced by vehicle exhausts and industrial processes. The use of shisha or hooka pipes may also lead to exposure. Inhaling smoke from a house fire may lead to carbon monoxide exposure.įor smokers, cigarettes are the major source of carbon monoxide. The most important source of exposure to carbon monoxide for the general public is from cooking or other fuel burning appliances which are poorly installed, faulty or used inappropriately (including inadequate ventilation).įor example, home boilers that are installed incorrectly and the use of BBQs and portable generators inside homes, caravans and tents. Exposure to carbon monoxideĬarbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen. Natural sources of carbon monoxide in the air include volcanoes, chemical reactions with light and natural fires. In indoor environments, oil, gas or kerosene heaters and faulty gas appliances produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide. The iron and steel industries, and industrial fuel burning in general also provide large contributions to carbon monoxide emission.īetween 19 in the UK, total releases of carbon monoxide to the environment have decreased by 79%. Road transport is the major contributor to atmospheric carbon monoxide concentrations, though these releases have decreased by 95% from 1990 to 2019. ![]() How carbon monoxide gets into the environment Uses of carbon monoxideĬarbon monoxide is used to manufacture other chemicals, including methanol and phosgene. Most combustion processes (natural or man-made) produce some carbon monoxide. Complete combustion occurs when sufficient oxygen is present and leads to the production of carbon dioxide. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital, because you may pass out while driving.Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless, non-irritating gas produced as a by-product during incomplete combustion of fuels due to there being insufficient oxygen present. If you believe you have CO poisoning, go outdoors immediately and call 911. You should never treat CO poisoning yourself. This treatment quickly increases oxygen levels in the blood and it’s typically used in severe cases of CO poisoning or to treat CO poisoning in pregnant women. The oxygen chamber has twice the pressure of normal air. Your doctor may temporarily place you in a pressurized oxygen chamber (also known as a hyperbaric oxygen chamber). ![]() If you’re unable to breathe on your own, you’ll receive oxygen through a ventilator. Your doctor will place an oxygen mask over your nose and mouth and ask you to inhale. This treatment increases oxygen levels in the blood and helps to remove CO from the blood. The best way to treat CO poisoning is to breathe in pure oxygen. Quick treatment is essential to prevent life-threatening complications. If a doctor suspects you have CO poisoning, you’ll receive treatment immediately once you’re in the hospital. How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated? ![]()
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