Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that poisons hundreds of people across the U.S. each year. Produced by appliances and other devices that burn gas, petroleum products and other fuels, carbon monoxide (CO) replaces oxygen in your blood, keeping life-sustaining oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Truck drivers are especially susceptible to CO poisoning because of the close quarters in which they live while on the road, since the gas can sometimes accumulate to dangerous levels in poorly ventilated areas, such as the cab of an 18-wheeler. The Mayo Clinic says you are at increased risk if you have chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems.
The signs and symptoms of CO poisoning can be subtle, but simple precautions can save your life. According to the Mayo Clinic, a dull headache is the most common early symptom. Other signs include:
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Chest pain
* Confusion
* Irritability
* Impaired judgment
* Loss of consciousness
The Mayo Clinic says carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated, since you may not realize there is a problem until it’s too late.
Of course, gases that produce carbon monoxide fuel car and truck engines. Other appliances to be cautious around include fuel-burning space heaters, furnaces, charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters, fireplaces, portable generators and wood-burning stoves.
The Mayo Clinic says normally the amount of carbon monoxide produced by these sources isn’t cause for concern. Make sure your appliances are kept in good working order, especially if they’re used in a closed or partially closed space. Refrain from activities such as using a charcoal grill indoors or running your car in a closed garage since this can cause the carbon monoxide to build to dangerous levels.
If you feel you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, the Mayo Clinic suggests you immediately get yourself into fresh air and seek medical attention, where you will be asked to give a blood sample to measure the amount of CO in your blood. If needed, treatment will include replacing the carbon monoxide in your blood with oxygen, through means such as an oxygen mask or, in worse cases, a ventilator.
Depending on the degree and length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent brain damage, as well as damage to your heart, possibly leading to life-threatening cardiac complications years after the poisoning. In other cases, carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal.
Prevention is key. Invest in carbon monoxide detectors for the cab of your truck, as well as for your home. Also be sure to open you garage before you start your car, use gas appliances properly, and make sure your appliances are in good repair.
For more information, visit http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com and http://www.mayoclinic.com.
