The silent killer: What you need to know about carbon monoxide poisoning

 

Exit signIt’s odorless, colorless and tasteless and can knock a grown man to the ground.

Carbon monoxide, an undetectable, toxic gas produced by motor vehicles, heaters and cooking equipment, has the potential to cause severe neurological damage and even death.

On Monday, Sept. 15, more than 140 students, faculty and staff from North Mac Intermediate School in Girard were transported to Springfield-area hospitals after a carbon monoxide leak occurred. This disturbing event is an urgent reminder for homeowners to take the necessary precautions to ensure your loved ones don’t experience carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Have your heating system, chimney, flue and any oil, gas or coal burning appliances inspected by an experienced technician each year.
  • Install at least one battery-operated or electronic carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. Replace the batteries when you change your clocks twice a year.
  • Practice an evacuation plan with kids and babysitters. Designate a safe meeting location.
  • Never use a charcoal grill, lantern or portable camping stove indoors.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a range of symptoms at varying severities, says Dr. Myto Duong, an SIU School of Medicine pediatric emergency physician. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may feel similar to the flu, but without a fever. You may experience:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea42-15530351
  • Unexplainable fatigue
  • Irregular breathing
  • Chest pain

If you suspect that you or a loved one has carbon monoxide poisoning, Dr. Jason Kegg, an SIU School of Medicine emergency physician recommends taking three steps. First, get yourself, others and pets outside into fresh air. Once outside, call the fire department. The fire department has supplies to test the air quality and respirators to protect firefighters. Third, if you are showing symptoms of carbon monoxide, call a friend or an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital.

Young children, infants, fetuses and the elderly are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. Unlike adults, children may experience listlessness, irritability, nausea, vomiting and even seizures or a coma, says Dr. Kegg. Children, as well as pets, are often the first to display symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you’re unsure whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning, Dr. Kegg recommends checking whether others in the home or apartment building are experiencing similar symptoms. Also, step outside of your home to determine whether symptoms improve.

In the event of carbon monoxide poisoning, the best medicine is oxygen. Medical providers can provide high flow oxygen, which will rid the blood of carbon monoxide more quickly than fresh air alone.

Remember, Illinois law requires areas where people sleep to have carbon monoxide detectors. Know the symptoms and protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning.

–lm