Carbon Monoxide Exposure

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Carbon monoxide (mun-oks-id) exposure (eks-po-zur) is when you breathe in carbon monoxide (CO). It is also called CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cannot taste, see, or smell. Breathing in CO can be very harmful. If the CO builds up in a closed space (like a house, garage, tent or camper) it can kill you. CO keeps your body from using oxygen. It does this by keeping oxygen from hooking to your red blood cells. If enough of your red blood cells do not have oxygen you could die.

Causes: CO can come from many things like a broken furnace or a kerosene heater. Smoke from any kind of fire, car exhaust, and gas fireplaces can make CO. It can also come from charcoal, sterno, wood, or coal stoves. CO poisoning can happen in your home, car, tent, or camper. It can also happen in garages and at indoor automobile shows (like a tractor pull).

Signs and Symptoms: You may get headaches, have an upset stomach, or vomit (throw up). You may also be confused, very sleepy, dizzy, feel faint, stumble, or have slurred speech. You may have trouble breathing or get pain in your chest. Finally, you may have blurred vision (seeing) or have convulsions (seizures).

Care: Get out of the smoky area right away and into a place with fresh air. Call your local Poison Center, caregiver, or emergency department. The caregivers there can tell you if you need to see someone for special care. You may also need extra oxygen and medicine for the headache.

Do's and Don'ts: To keep from getting poisoned with CO, have your gas company check your furnace. Have your furnace checked every year before it is lit or you turn it on. If it is on all year, have it checked every year anyway. Keep a window open a little bit if you use a kerosene heater or gas fireplace. You should also keep a window open a little if you use a charcoal, wood, or coal stove.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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