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1 Information on carbon monoxide
What is carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, tasteless, highly toxic and
flammable gas produced by the incomplete combustion of
carbon-based fuels. Prolonged exposure to a carbon monoxide-
rich environment leads to serious tissue damage or even death.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
• Mild exposure (about 100-200 ppm): mild headache, nausea,
vomiting, fatigue (often described as "flu-like" symptoms).
• Medium exposure (about 400 ppm ): violent throbbing
headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heartbeat.
• Extreme exposure (about 800 ppm): unconsciousness,
convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death.
How do I know if carbon monoxide is present?
Poisoning is measured in a range called parts per million (ppm).
This CO Alarm monitors the level of carbon monoxide (CO) in
the air. If the CO concentration is too high, the detector sounds
a loud alarm. When the alarm sounds, warn all household
members, go outside immediately and call 112.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Carbon monoxide is caused by poor or incomplete combustion.
•
A furnace, boiler, cooker, pellet stove, fireplace, wood stove,
charcoal grill can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially
if they are not working properly or if they are located in a
poorly ventilated room.
•
Vehicle exhaust gases in enclosed spaces (garage) can also
become carbon monoxide hazards.
•
With the use of paran heaters or charcoal grills/bbqs
indoors or running a car in a garage, carbon monoxide levels
can get so high that it can cause death.
Parts per Million (PPM)
Eects on Adults
100
200
400
800
Mild headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
(often described as "flu-like" symptoms).
Dizziness and headache within 2-3 hours.
Nausea, frontal headache, drowsiness,
confusion and rapid heart rate.
Risk to life after over 3 hours of exposure.
Severe headaches, convulsions, vital organ
failures. Death possible within 2-3 hours.
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