What is carbon monoxide?
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: Know the Danger !!!
Carbon Monoxide poisoning recently grabbed the headlines when an Indonesian housemaid was found dead and the other is still in critical condition undergoing treatment at a local hospital. This happened when they lit a coal fire inside their room to keep them warm. As a Health and Safety Professional, i am sharing this information to you so you may share and reach out to as many friends - to keep them safe from this deadly unseen hazard.
What is carbon monoxide?
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
The real cause for concern in carbon monoxide poisoning in households or labour accommodation is the burning of charcoal to keep warm. Burning coal in closed rooms raises the concentration of carbon monoxide rapidly as there is no adequate ventilation to allow the gas to escape from the room. Obviously, when the concentration goes beyond safety levels, it results in poisoning.
How does CO (carbon monoxide) harm us?
Carbon monoxide is harmful when inhaled because it displaces oxygen in the blood, thus depriving the heart, brain, and other vital organs of it. The molecule attaches itself to the haemoglobin and obstructs absorption of oxygen causing tissue damage. Large amounts of CO can overcome you in minutes without warning, causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate, resulting in death.
Please refer to the chart below for further info.
CO exposure chart (exposures at 1 hour)
0-9 ppm (parts per million) CO | no health risk; normal CO levels in air.
10-29 ppm CO: problems over long-term exposure | chronic CO problems such as headaches, nausea- not the most dangerous level
30-35 ppm CO: flu-like symptoms begin to develop | especially among the young and the elderly
36-99 ppm CO: flu-like symptoms among all | nausea, headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, vomiting; most CO detectors sound off here
100 ppm + CO: severe symptoms | confusion, intense headaches; ultimately brain damage, coma, and/or death, especially at 300 to 400 ppm+
Note that the above symptoms are for exposure to carbon monoxide for one hour. Symptoms may become more severe at levels such as 36-99 or 100+ ppm (parts per million) over longer exposure. There will always be a problem, for almost any amount of time, if the CO levels in a particular space exceed 400 parts per million. Any room with levels of carbon monoxide at 400 ppm is an extreme emergency.
It should also be noted that the symptoms to each level of CO in the air is for a typical, healthy adult. Certain population groups, such as unborn babies, infants, children, the elderly or people with respiratory diseases may be more susceptible to low levels of carbon monoxide; 30 ppm and higher.
What are the other possible sources of Carbon Monoxide?
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
1. It is most important to be sure combustion equipment or anything that burns fuel is maintained and properly adjusted.
2. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings or in closed parking areas (normally at the basement).
3. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
4. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
5. Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
6. Ensure enough ventilation for the flue gas when fireplaces are in use.
7. Install carbon monoxide alarm if producing CO is inherent to the process e.g. power plants, boilers, roasters, etc.
So there you are, as Health and Safety Professionals, we should be aware of these "unseen" hazards in our workplace or even in our homes.
Be Alert - Be SAFE - Stay SAFE ...
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