Why does carbon monoxide kill

Carbon monoxide detector. Have your heating system serviced annually. Quick Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.

CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Though both carbon and oxygen are essential to human life in other forms, they form a sinister combination when bound together as carbon monoxide.

The specific danger posed by carbon monoxide is that red blood cells will absorb carbon monoxide and turn away oxygen. As a result, oxygen starvation inside the human body occurs which will ultimately cause cellular death.

Should this occur at high enough concentrations, affected individuals will eventually suffocate. To make things worse, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell, taste or sight.

That means individuals within enclosed spaces are particularly vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning and often are afflicted without even knowing of its existence. Because of this, more Americans are killed on an annual basis by carbon monoxide than any other toxic substance.

Hundreds die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, while thousands more are stricken ill enough to seek medical attention. Another particularly troublesome aspect of carbon monoxide poisoning is its superficial similarity to other serious diseases. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning often starts with a headache and a general feeling of sickness.

At other times carbon monoxide poisoning can cause nausea and dizziness. That means people can be deceived into thinking they are ill with a contagious disease rather than carbon monoxide poisoning. This problem especially accelerates during influenza season as the symptoms are similar and some of the problems that cause carbon monoxide poisoning are also more prevalent during the winter.

As an example, individuals operate their furnaces at the same time that flu season is in full swing. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be treated if caught in time and if the condition is accurately diagnosed. Primary efforts to treat carbon monoxide poisoning center around removing the carbon monoxide molecules from the bloodstream and replacing them with oxygen. This can be accomplished by the use of oxygen therapy administered through a mask, which will accelerate the process of pushing the carbon monoxide back out of the blood cells.

Devices such as camp stoves, barbecue grills and non-electric heaters are commonly used during recreational activities and also are sources of CO. The CDC has noted that CO poisoning cases have resulted from the use of power generators during power outages. Portable generators are capable of producing more carbon monoxide than modern cars and can kill people in a short amount of time.

It is recommended that users place generators at least 25 feet away from and downwind of a house. Be sure that there are no vents or openings near the generator that would allow exhaust to enter into your home.

The typical lifespan of a CO alarm is between 5 and 7 years, but it varies by manufacturer. Consult the product packaging or manufacturer for a recommended replacement date. If people in the home are exhibiting symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately leave the building and call your local fire department. In cases where residents are feeling fine, call your local gas utility company or a qualified technician to help identify the cause of the problem.

Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems Common sources of CO in our homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: Clothes dryers Water heaters Furnaces or boilers Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning Gas stoves and ovens Motor vehicles Grills, generators, power tools, lawn equipment Wood stoves Tobacco smoke Typical Indoor CO Concentrations Ideally, the level of CO indoors should be the same as CO concentrations outside.

CO and Recreation There are a number of ways people can be exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide while participating in activities such as camping, fishing, hunting and boating.

Items such as camp stoves, charcoal grills, fuel-burning lanterns and generators should never be used inside a tent, RV or cabin Do not place portable generators near open doors and windows Ice fishing houses that use heating equipment should have a working CO alarm installed and users should crack a window for additional ventilation Heating equipment in cabins and ice houses should be regularly inspected and be in good condition Boaters should be aware of exhaust area at the back of the boat and should tow passengers at least 20 feet from this area Be aware of exhaust from neighboring boats when parked near them Install a CO alarm in the cabin of boats Protecting Your Family from CO Poisoning 1.

Properly vent and maintain fuel-burning appliances It is important to know what appliances in your home are fuel-burning and make sure that they are maintained properly. It is also a good idea to know the signs of a potential CO problem: Streaks of soot around fuel-burning appliances, or fallen soot in a fireplace Absence of an upward draft in your chimney Excess moisture and condensation on windows, walls and cold surfaces Rusting on flue pipes or appliance jacks Orange or yellow flame in combustion appliances the flame should be blue Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of the chimney Never use appliances intended for outdoor use inside.

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning Identifying CO poisoning can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to the flu. Yes, some people are at a greater risk for CO poisoning.

Those individuals include people with: Respiratory conditions, such as asthma or emphysema Cardiovascular disease Anemia or sickle cell anemia Also, the elderly and young children are at a greater risk for CO poisoning than adults.

Can CO be a problem in the summer?