Dec 27, 2007 3:39 pm US/Central
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
(CBS 11 News)
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.
Carbon monoxide – or CO -- is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces.
Officials say if appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result and can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:
- headache
- dizziness
- weakness
- nausea
- vomiting
- chest pain
- confusion
Because CO is so hard to detect, high levels can cause loss of consciousness and death. People and animals where CO has built up can be poisoned by breathing it because red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen.
The CDC notes if there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.
Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
For those who are conscious and experience symptoms, follow these Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations:
- Get to fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
- Go to an emergency room and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
Officials remind consumers that prevention is the key to avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning.
The CDC reminds everyone to avoid using a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin or camper.
Charcoal and other grills present the same dangers, experts say. Using a grill indoors will cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fireplace.
Generators inside a house, in the basement or garage or near a window, door or vent also are dangerous.
To avoid CO poisoning in a vehicle, have a mechanic check the exhaust system every year. A small leak in your car's exhaust system can lead to a build up of CO inside the car. Most counties in Texas require an emissions test during the annual vehicle inspection.
Another common cause of death from CO occurs when people run a vehicle in the garage with the garage door shut. CO builds up quickly and the CDC recommends drivers never run a car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house. Always open the door to any garage to let in fresh air when running a car or truck inside.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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