The recent Glorietta 2 blast reminds us of the hazards of domestically used gases. I am not discounting the possibility that a ‘bomb’ caused the explosion but I am more inclined to side on the theory that it was due to a gas leak somewhere.
In this regard, I am posting a topic on carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a more common occurrence in our country compared to blasts caused by gas leaks. We are all susceptible to it because of our high exposure to the sources of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it; but it can kill you.
Common household appliances, like gas water heaters, charcoal grills, and gasoline-powered generators, produce carbon monoxide. It can also come from motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fires, engine fumes, cigarette smoke, spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and paint removers. When not properly ventilated, carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances can build up. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with malfunctioning or obstructed exhaust systems.
Risks for exposure to carbon monoxide include:
- Children riding in the back of enclosed pickup trucks (particularly high risk)
- Industrial workers at pulp mills, steel foundries, and plants producing formaldehyde.
- Personnel at fire scenes
- Using heating sources or electric generators during power outages
- Those working indoors with combustion engines or combustible gases
- Swimming near or under the stern or swim–step of a boat with the boat engine running
- Back drafting when a boat is operated at a high bow angle
- Mooring next to a boat that is running a generator or engine
- Improper boat ventilation
The effects of carbon monoxide in parts per million are listed below:
- 35 ppm (0.0035%) Headache and dizziness within six to eight hours of constant exposure
- 100 ppm (0.01%) Slight headache in two to three hours
- 200 ppm (0.02%) Slight headache within two to three hours
- 400 ppm (0.04%) Frontal headache within one to two hours
- 800 ppm (0.08%) Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 minutes. Insensible within two hours.
- 1,600 ppm (0.16%) Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 20 minutes. Death in less than two hours.
- 3,200 ppm (0.32%) Headache, dizziness and nausea in five to ten minutes. Death within 30 minutes.
- 6,400 ppm (0.64%) Headache and dizziness in one to two minutes. Death in less than 20 minutes.
- 12,800 ppm (1.28%)Unconsciousness after 2-3 breaths. Death in less than three minutes.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, impaired judgment, chest pain, confusion, depression, hallucinations, agitation, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, visual changes, fainting, seizure, and memory and walking problems. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed because the deadly gas is undetected in the office or home. However, because these signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not specific, a blood test to look for it is the only way to make the diagnosis. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death.
If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:
DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows. Turn off combustion appliances and leave the building or house.
GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning.
Be prepared to answer the following questions for the doctor:
- Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
- Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same time?
- Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
- Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?
The treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is high–dose oxygen, usually using a facemask attached to an oxygen reserve bag. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood may be periodically checked until they are low enough to safely send you home. In severe poisoning, if available, a hyperbaric pressure chamber may be used to give even higher doses of oxygen.
Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Therefore, inspect your buildings or houses for hazards.
- Be sure your furnace and other appliances, such as gas ovens, ranges, and cook tops, are inspected for adequate ventilation.
- Do not burn charcoal inside your house (even in the fireplace). Have gas fireplaces inspected each fall to ensure the pilot light burns safely.
- Do not operate gasoline–powered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements. Do not leave your car, mower, or other vehicle running in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as water heaters, ranges, and washing machines.
- Become familiar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning. DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
The prognosis for a person with carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to predict.
- Death can result from severe cases.
- Even with proper treatment, some people develop long–term brain damage, resulting in complications such as severe memory loss, difficulty thinking, or other neurological or psychiatric problems.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html
Comments