A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Guide to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (CO Poisoning)
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment
High concentrations of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere can kill a human being in a matter of minutes. Although low to mid range levels of carbon monoxide do not usually cause an immediate threat to a person’s life, being exposed to such levels for an extended period of time can often lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In either case, if significant inhalation is suspected, the situation should be taken very seriously and treatment should be sought as soon as possible.
Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment
Acute
carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when an individual is exposed to elevated
levels of the gas for a short period of time. When this happens, it is
imperative to immediately pull the person away from the contaminated area
and place them where they can inhale fresh air. The next step is to seek
medical attention right away by calling an emergency number or bringing
the victim to a nearby hospital where proper medical treatment can be
obtained. Should the victim be unconscious, it is necessary to administer
CPR in order to provide some oxygen to the victim’s lungs. Depending
on the severity of case, the patient may receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy
at the hospital, which involves inhaling 100% oxygen in order to replenish
the oxygen level in the blood stream.
Chronic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment
Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning is significantly more difficult
to detect in a person than acute poisoning as it occurs when one is exposed
from lower to mid range levels of the gas over extended periods of time.
The most common symptoms range from:
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness
- confusion
- depression
- memory loss
Blood Testing
Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning is often misdiagnosed, and typically
associated with other forms of health problems. A blood test is required
in order to determine whether or not the person has harmful levels of
carbon monoxide in their blood stream. By simply removing the person from
the source of the carbon monoxide, symptoms should eventually disappear
and good health restored.
Prevention is the Key
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at work and/or
at home is to purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector. It can
identify low levels of carbon monoxide in the air and prevent potential
chronic poisoning. It will also prevent acute poisoning should there be
an accidental heavy leak of carbon dioxide in your surroundings. Detectors
can save your life and that of your loved ones as well.