Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning that is Difficult to Detect

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless and colorless. This is what makes us unconscious when inhaling too much of the dangerous gas. Gas with the chemical formula CO is produced by combustion of materials containing imperfect carbon. This is due to insufficient availability of oxygen used when the combustion process occurs. If the complete combustion produced is carbon dioxide gas, then in incomplete combustion the gas produced is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide gas can be produced from vehicle exhausts, fuel for furnaces, coal-fired power plants, small-fueled engines, portable gasoline-powered generators, water spray machines, fireplaces, charcoal grills, forklifts, propane-powered heaters, gas water heaters, heaters kerosene, stove, lantern, gas stove, etc. Carbon monoxide gas from various equipment can accumulate and fill the room if there is no good exchange of fresh air. And if inhaled, carbon monoxide gas can cause poisoning that makes us suddenly sick and even lose our lives.

As a result of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide can inhibit the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to vital organs and body tissues. This is because the ability of hemoglobin can bind carbon monoxide 300 times greater than oxygen. This causes a little carbon monoxide is enough to reduce the ability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen dramatically. Carbon monoxide poisoning is usually difficult to detect through symptoms because it resembles the symptoms of food poisoning or the flu. Symptoms commonly encountered such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you have been too long exposed to carbon monoxide, the symptoms will get worse such as chest pain, shortness of breath, vertigo and even brain damage, and permanent heart. Exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy is also dangerous for the mother and fetus who are developing in the womb. All of these hazards need to be watched out because it is difficult to detect carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the nature of the gas itself which does not emit odor and color. A person who is exposed to carbon monoxide will realize something is wrong, but he may not know why his body is giving off symptoms like a sick person. This is what makes carbon monoxide known as the silent killer. If your home is equipped with a water heating system, gas stove, or fireplace, check it often with a qualified technician so that carbon monoxide leakage and poisoning does not occur. Do not also leave the car in a closed garage with the engine running. By knowing the danger of carbon monoxide, always check all the equipment in the house regularly for the health and safety of the family.