Trauma Prevention:  Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisioning

Carbon monoxide (may be referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide is produced by common household appliances. When not properly ventilated, carbon monoxide emitted by appliances and can build up inside the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. A person can't see it, smell it, or taste it; but carbon monoxide can kill.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments annually. In just a five-year period (2003-2007), unintentional CO poisonings were responsible for 61 deaths, 175 hospitalizations, and 1,261 emergency department visits among Minnesotans. These statistics paint a grim picture, especially since most unintentional CO poisonings are completely preventable.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected in a home. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death. If you have the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go to a hospital emergency department, particularly if several people in the household are affected, or if pets are affected as well. Because signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not specific, a blood test to look for it is the best way to make the diagnosis.

No home therapy is available for carbon monoxide poisoning. The treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is high-dose oxygen, usually using a facemask attached to an oxygen reservoir bag. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood may be periodically checked until they are low enough to safely send a person home. In severe poisoning, if available, a hyperbaric pressure chamber may be used to give even higher doses of oxygen.

The best protection is to install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home. A carbon monoxide monitor with an audible alarm works much like a home smoke alarm and beeps loudly when the sensors detect carbon monoxide. If the alarm sounds, move all family members and pets to fresh air away from the source of carbon monoxide (CO) and call 911. The local fire department or public service company will help find the source of carbon monoxide and make sure the building is safe.