If it is, it’s important to help them out of the area, ideally to an outdoor location, before sitting down. While it may be tempting to encourage someone who is dizzy to sit down, consider whether carbon monoxide may be the problem. DizzinessĪ lack of oxygen to the brain will leave the victim feeling dizzy. Reduced oxygen to muscles may lead to sudden weakness, like you’ve been running or lifting when you haven’t. A sudden, unexplained headache, especially while indoors, may be your first indication that CO is present in the bloodstream. Remember that carbon monoxide can also be damaging in low concentrations – if you our someone else frequently experiences any of these symptoms when in a certain area, test the area for CO immediately.Ī dull headache is usually one of the earliest symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are beginning to suspect you are someone else is being exposed to carbon monoxide, look for these signs and symptoms. In these cases, recognizing the signs of CO poisoning may save your life or that of a loved one. With that said, there may be times where a functioning detector simply isn’t present, either because a unit has malfunctioned or because you’re away from your own home or workplace. Make sure you have detectors on each floor of your home and in your garage, and test them at least once a year. With heating systems and gas engines so common, that means that practically any enclosed area is potentially dangerous. Any heating appliance (including a fireplace or grill) or gas-powered motor will produce carbon monoxide. Of course, the best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure you have functioning CO detectors in your home, workplace, and anywhere you may be exposed. Because the signs are so subtle, and the damage is done so quickly, recognizing CO poisoning when it occurs is critical. Unlike some poisonous gases, which have a foul smell or cause coughing, CO enters the lungs easily, gradually suffocating its victims. That deprives the blood stream, and consequently the brain and vital organs, of oxygen. Even if not lethal, survivors of high levels of carbon monoxide exposure may be left with permanent neurological damage.Ĭarbon monoxide is effective as a poison because the body treats it as if it were oxygen, loading up red blood cells with the toxic gas. It is produced by common appliances, has no taste or smell, and in high enough concentrations can lead to death in just a few minutes. Carbon monoxide, often referred to by its chemical name of CO, can be a silent and swift killer.
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