Potential for CO Poisoning Increases as Temperature Decreases

When colder weather moves in, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Most carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning cases are preventable and treatable, but the risk of death is high if proper precautions are not taken.

Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas, is produced by furnaces, space and water heaters, fireplaces and other home appliances that burn fossil and refined fuels such as natural gas, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, coal, charcoal, wood, butane and liquefied petroleum gas. Incomplete combustion of the fuels is the cause of the deadly gas. Although CO poisoning sometimes proves fatal, even minor non-lethal levels may cause permanent damage to the tissues that are most dependent on oxygen, such as that of the brain and heart.

The severity of CO poisoning is in part related to the size of the person exposed. The smaller the person, the faster and more severe the impact of the CO, which means children and pets are at high risk.

Pregnant women are also at risk. CO exposure can cause injury to the fetus, resulting in still births and memory or learning disabilities. Persons with heart disease and respiratory ailments are particularly susceptible because their bodies may already have insufficient oxygen.

The most common early symptoms of exposure to CO are similar to those of the flu: headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, weakness, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

- From Hermann Hospital

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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URL: http://www.tmc.edu/health_briefs/02_01_99-poisoning.html