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What is
carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning
happens when you breathe too much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a gas
produced by burning any type of fuel-gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal.
What makes this gas so dangerous is that when you breathe it, it replaces the oxygen
in your blood. Without oxygen, cells throughout
the body die, and the organs stop working.
You can't
see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. But if you breathe too much of it, it can
become deadly within minutes. So be sure you know the signs of carbon monoxide
poisoning, what to do if you have the symptoms, and how to keep it from
happening.
Carbon
monoxide can come from any source that burns fuel. Common sources are cars,
fireplaces, powerboats, woodstoves, kerosene space heaters, charcoal grills,
and gas appliances such as water heaters, ovens, and dryers. Usually they cause
no problems. Trouble comes when:
- Cars, trucks, or other engines are left running in enclosed spaces, such as garages. Carbon monoxide can build up in a garage and leak back into the house. Even sitting in an idling car in an open garage or swimming behind an idling boat can be dangerous.
- Fuel-burning appliances are not installed or used properly. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up inside houses and other buildings.
- Fuel-burning heating systems and appliances are used during cold weather, when doors and windows are closed. Chimneys in older buildings become blocked and release fumes into the homes or offices. Newer houses that are well insulated and tightly sealed can trap carbon monoxide inside.
Early
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
As carbon
monoxide builds
up in your blood, symptoms get worse and may include:
- Confusion and drowsiness.
- Fast breathing, fast heartbeat, or chest pain..
- Vision problems.
- Seizures.
If you have
symptoms that you think could be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, leave
the area right away, and call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you
keep breathing the fumes, you may pass out and die.
Carbon
monoxide poisoning can occur suddenly or over a long period of time. Breathing
low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period can cause severe heart problems
and brain
damage. See a doctor if:
- You often are short of breath and have mild nausea and headaches when you are indoors.
- You feel better when you leave the building and worse when you return.
- Other people you work or live with have the same symptoms you do.
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