Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide • Carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas - is one of the most common industrial hazards

Carbon Monoxide • Today, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the most commonly encountered and pervasive poison in our environment. It is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison, and for enormous suffering and morbidity in those who survive.

Carbon Monoxide • Tens of thousands of people seek medical attention or lose several days of normal activity • More than 500 people die through unintentional exposure

Carbon Monoxide • It has been known for many years that CO poisoning can produce lasting health harm, mainly through its destructive effects on the central nervous system. – Some studies found that 25-40% of people died during acute exposure, while 15-40% of the survivors suffered immediate or delayed neuropsychological deficit.

Carbon Monoxide • Formula = CO – Although each molecule of CO has one carbon atom and one oxygen atom, it has a shape similar to that of an oxygen molecule (two atoms of oxygen), which is important with regard to it's lethality.

Carbon Monoxide – This poisonous gas is produced by the incomplete burning of any material containing carbon, such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, coal or wood. • Forges and blast furnaces all produce carbon monoxide, but one of the most common sources of exposure in the workplace is the internal combustion engine.

Carbon Monoxide • What is CO's History? – "Coal fumes lead to heavy head and death" - First mention of the lethal effects of coal fumes - Aristotle, Greece, 3rd century B.C.

Carbon Monoxide – First clinical description of coal gas poisoning - Harmant, France, 1775 – CO identified as the toxic substance in coal gas -- LeBlanc, France, 1842

Carbon Monoxide – Shown that CO produces hypoxia by reversible combination with hemoglobin Claude Bernard, France, 1857 – First clinical use of Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy in CO poisoning - Smith & Sharp, 1960

Carbon Monoxide – International tennis star Vitas Gerulaitus loses life in CO accident involving a pool heater, September, 1994 – Use as euthanasia agent by suicide advocate, Jack Kevorkian, M.D. - 1990s

Carbon Monoxide • CO is produced when: – carbonaceous materials are burned with insufficient oxygen. Its lethal effects have been known for centuries; in ancient Rome, "coal gas" was used for executions and suicides.

Carbon Monoxide • Man-made sources of CO include: – Incomplete fuel combustion used in transport (automobile exhaust) – Smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. – Defective heating (furnace, water heater) systems – Defective cooking appliances – Industrial plant exhausts – Burning of solid waste

Carbon Monoxide • The initial symptoms of CO are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: – Dizziness – Fatigue – Headache – Nausea – Irregular breathing

Carbon Monoxide • This is particularly dangerous because CO effects often are not recognized. CO is odorless and some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu or other common illnesses.

Carbon Monoxide • Since Carbon Monoxide has such an affinity to red blood cells, it binds to them, leaving little or no room for oxygen.

Carbon Monoxide • How can production of dangerous levels of CO be prevented?

Carbon Monoxide – Dangerous levels of CO can be prevented by proper appliance maintenance, installation and use:

Carbon Monoxide • Maintenance: – A qualified service technician should check your home's central and room heating appliances (including water heaters and gas dryers) annually. The technician should look at the electrical and mechanical components of appliances, such as thermostat controls and automatic safety devices.

Carbon Monoxide – Chimneys and flues should be checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections. – Individual appliances should be serviced regularly. Kerosene and gas space heaters (vented and unvented) should be cleaned and inspected to insure proper operation.

Carbon Monoxide • Installation: – Proper installation is critical to the safe operation of combustion appliances. All new appliances have installation instructions that should be followed exactly. Local building codes should be followed as well.

Carbon Monoxide – Vented appliances should be vented properly, according to manufacturer's instructions. – Adequate combustion air should be provided to assure complete combustion. – All combustion appliances should be installed by professionals.

Carbon Monoxide • Use: – Follow manufacturer's directions for safe operation. – Make sure the room where an unvented gas or kerosene space heater is used is well ventilated;

Carbon Monoxide – Doors leading to another room should be open to insure proper ventilation. – Never use an unvented combustion heater overnight or in a room where you are sleeping.

Carbon Monoxide • Are there signs that might indicate improper appliance operation? – Yes, these are: • Decreasing hot water supply • Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly • Sooting, especially on appliances • Unfamiliar or burning odor • Increased condensation inside windows

Carbon Monoxide • Are there visible signs that might indicate a CO problem? – Yes, these are: • Improper connections on vents and chimneys • Visible rust or stains on vents and chimneys • An appliance that makes unusual sounds or emits an unusual smell

Carbon Monoxide • An appliance that keeps shutting off. Many new appliances have safety components attached that prevent operation if an unsafe condition exists. If an appliance stops operating, it may be because a safety device is preventing a dangerous condition. – Therefore, don't try to operate an appliance that keeps shutting off; call a service person instead.

Carbon Monoxide • Are there other ways to prevent CO poisoning? – Yes, these are: • Never use a range or oven to heat the living areas of the home • Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in the home • Never keep a car running in an attached garage

Carbon Monoxide • CO can be detected with CO detectors that meet the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). – Since the toxic effect of CO is dependent upon both CO concentration and length of exposure, long-term exposure to a low concentration can produce effects similar to short term exposure to a high concentration.

Carbon Monoxide – Detectors that meet the UL standard measure both high CO concentrations over short periods of time and low CO concentrations over long periods of time. The effects of CO can be cumulative over time. • Detectors sound an alarm before the level of CO in a person's blood would become crippling.