Carbon monoxide is a colorless, highly poisonous gas. Under pressure, it becomes a liquid. It is produced by burning gasoline, natural gas, charcoal, wood, and other fuels.
Appliances, tools, space heaters, and generators that use these fuels can produce carbon monoxide through incomplete combustion. Vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke contain carbon monoxide. It can be released from wildfires.
Carbon monoxide is most dangerous in enclosed spaces such as garages or indoor rooms.
Where is Carbon Monoxide found?
- Consumer products - vehicles, appliances, some space heaters, generators, gas-powered tools, and cigarettes
- Air - vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, smoke from burning charcoal or wood, and fumes from leaking appliances or space heaters
How Human get exposed to Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide commonly enter(s) the body through:
Inhalation (breathing)
- Breathing vehicle exhaust and fumes from leaking appliances, space heaters, and other fuel-burning products
- Smoking cigarettes or breathing secondhand smoke.
What happens when a Human gets exposed to CO?
Short-term:
Exposure from breathing carbon monoxide can cause:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Damage to the heart and brain
- Unconsciousness
Breathing in high amounts of carbon monoxide is life-threatening.
Long-term:
Exposure from breathing high carbon monoxide levels can cause:
- Miscarriage
- Damage to a developing fetus
- Seizures
- Coma
- Heart failure.
Who is prone to get exposed to Carbon Monoxide?
- Consumers
- Vehicles, some consumer products, and fuels emit carbon monoxide.
- Cigarette smokers
- Tobacco products and secondhand smoke contain carbon monoxide.
- Pregnant women
- Carbon monoxide can cause miscarriage or damage a developing fetus.
How to ensure you don't risk your health with Carbon Monoxide
If you think your health has been affected by exposure to carbon monoxide, contact your health care professional.
Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.
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