Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Introduction
Source: NHS
In this topic (8)
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it incan make youunwell, and it can kill if you're exposed to high levels.
Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning,which leads toaround50 deaths.
After carbon monoxide is breathed in, it enters your bloodstream and mixes with haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body), to form carboxyhaemoglobin.
When this happens, the blood is no longer able to carry oxygen, and this lack of oxygen causes the bodys cells andtissue to fail and die.
This topic covers the following areas:
Articles for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Being aware of the signs
It's very important to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to look out for warning signs. You should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning if: other people in your house, flat or work
Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning
Prolonged significant exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious complications, including brain damage and heart problems. In very severe cases, it can result in death. Effects of severe carbon mo
Introduction
Read about carbon monoxide poisoning, including symptoms, causes, signs to look out for, what to do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, plus prevention advice.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
It's important to be aware of the dangers and identify anyappliances in your housethat could potentiallyleak carbon monoxide. Maintaining and servicing appliances Boilers, cookers, heating systems a
Symptoms ofcarbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoningaren't always obvious, particularly during low-level exposure. A tension-type headache is the most common symptom ofmild carbon monoxide poisoning.Other symp
Treatingcarbon monoxide poisoning
Seek medical advice fromyour GP if you think you've been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Goimmediately to your local accident and emergency (A&E) department if you think you've been exp
What causescarbon monoxide to leak?
Carbon monoxideis produced whenfuels such asgas, oil, coal and wooddon't burn fully. Burning charcoal, running cars and the smoke fromcigarettes also produce carbon monoxide gas. Gas, oil, coal and
What to do if you suspect acarbon monoxide leak
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak: stop using all appliances, switch them off,and open doors and windows to ventilate the property evacuate the property immediately st
